The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) today conferred the prestigious 2025 Kabalikat Award on Congressman Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” Madrona of the Lone District of Romblon during the Awarding Ceremony for the 2025 Kabalikat Awards and Search for Idols ng TESDA held at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Pasay City, Philippines.

The Kabalikat Award is TESDA’s highest institutional recognition for outstanding partners in technical-vocational education and training (TVET). It is bestowed on individuals, institutions, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional support for TESDA’s mission to uplift Filipino skills, expand livelihood opportunities, and strengthen the country’s workforce development programs.

Congressman Madrona is the only awardee from Luzon under the Legislative Category, underscoring his exceptional contribution to human capital development and public service.

Joining Congressman Madrona during the awarding ceremony were TESDA MIMAROPA Regional Director Baron L. Lagran, TESDA Romblon Provincial Director Atty. Glenn Niño M. Sartillo, TESDA MIMAROPA Finance and Administration Chief Ms. Vanessa Jane D. Aceveda, and Kabalikat Award TESDA Provincial Office Focal Ms. Zarah A. Faa, who expressed pride and support for the congressman’s partnership and continued advocacy for technical-vocational development in the province.

Congressman Madrona was honored for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing TVET programs in Romblon, resulting in expanded training access for youth, out-of-school individuals, and local workers. Through the support of Congressman Madrona, TESDA Romblon was given strong legislative backing for skills development, community-based training, infrastructure enhancement and stronger industry collaboration that led to the development of competitive workforce and empowerment of local communities. Under his stewardship, Romblon has seen significant improvements in scholarship allocations that benefited thousands of Romblomanons with free skills training, free assessment, free entrepreneurship training, training support fund (allowance) and starter toolkits.

In his message, Cong. Madrona expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award “belongs to the people of Romblon, whose dedication and resilience inspire the continuous strengthening of programs that open doors to livelihood and progress.” He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusive education and expanding opportunities for lifelong learning. He vowed to continue championing accessible, high-quality technical education for Romblomanons.

The awarding ceremony gathered TESDA leaders, national and local government officials, industry partners, and representatives from the education and training sectors, all celebrating this year’s champions of skills development.