DAVAO CITY—The Davao Light and Power Co. graduated its first batch of electricians in the rural area within its franchise for a double-pronged benefit for the graduates and the community.
“This way, those applying for a new electric service will no longer have to travel far going to the city proper to look for an accredited electrician.
This will also give the residents an opportunity to earn extra income by becoming a skilled electrician,” said Rossano Luga, assistant vice president for reputation enhancement of the Davao Light. On November 6 the first batch of 18 electricians completed and passed the 10-day skills training in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, 45 kilometers northwest of downtown. The graduates would be issued a National Certificate II in electrical installation and maintenance to become full-pledged electricians, the company said.The training was under the company’s Basic Electricians Skills Training (BEST) Program, “from the idea of creating skilled electricians in the far-flung areas within its franchise.” This program was worked out with the Aboitiz Foundation, the city office of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority and the Second District’s congressional office.
“The demand for electricians in our franchise is growing even in the rural areas, hence, the birth of Project BEST. Through this, we would be able to help residents become equipped and skilled electricians and, at the same time, earn them a living,” said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light community relations manager. The second batch of training in Malabog was already started with 22 participants, now composed of both men and women, he said.