No money is missing: TESDA exec

MANILA – Amid reports that state auditors have questioned the transfer of some PHP160 million to the regional offices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), an official on Monday said that no money or fund is missing.

“Walang nawawalang pera (no money is missing),” said TESDA Deputy Director General for Operations Lina Sarmiento in a virtual press conference on Monday, adding the funds were spent on various livelihood and scholarship programs in the 17 regions.

She said the PHP160 million apparently transferred for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) projects was already explained by TESDA on Page 118 of the audit report.

Of the PHP160 million that was cited in the audit report, some PHPP147 million was released to the regional offices, and was taken out from the TESDA centrally-managed fund, specifically the scholarship funds for GIDA (geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas), Sarmiento said.

“The funds in question were spent for various scholarship and livelihood programs (for) members of communist terrorists who decided to return to government fold, their supporters in various communities, potential recruits that include (the) indigenous peoples in far-flung areas,” she said.

Sarmiento cited as an example the lighting project in South Cotabato.

“Sitio Blit, Barangay Ned, municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato never had the lights since there is no electricity in the area. We visit a barangay first and check its needs before we implement a program,” she said.

Through the help of other government agencies, Sarmiento said they were able to provide lights in the area. “We taught them (residents) how to put up solar lights.”

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, Sarmiento said TESDA also had a biomass power system project at Sitio Side 4, Barangay Mangayon in the municipality of Compostela in Davao de Oro.

“Residents will also plant the materials needed for this project. In addition, photovoltaic/solar light (serves as) lighting system in their households. There is also a solar power-driven water pump system,” Sarmiento said.

The official noted in the press conference that the funds were used to help provide a better life to the beneficiaries.

“Even before TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña assumed the office, TESDA has been implementing mobile training programs in different communities. Secretary Lapeña committed for TESDA to win the hearts of people through training. Thus since 2018, (the agency) has the guiding principle, ‘TESDA Abot Lahat’,” she said. (PNA)

Agencies