3 TESDA-trained lady welders employed in Subic Shipyard

Sabangan, Mt. Province -- Three of the four ladies who had undergone training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) in Mt. Province are now employed at Subic Shipyard and Engineering, Inc.

According to Engr. Glenn N. Murphy, Center Administrator of TESDA Provincial Training Center here, there are 153 grantees under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Program in Shielded Metal Arc Welding who graduated last year with only four females who entered this male- dominated career occupation.

Murphy said these trainees underwent 304 hours training not only on skills but also on work ethics and values.

He said most of the graduates found employment at the Shipyard in Region 3 and abroad. The three ladies went also to Subic to try their luck and ended as a regular employees of Subic Shipyard after some training enhancement and experiences. At present, they are now DNV(2G,3G) and LRS (6G) class welders of the company.

The three ladies namely Shoning Cabalquinto, Fely Babkeg and Gloria Benyahan are from Monamon, Bauko, Mt. Province. Murphy informed that Babkeg and Benyahan are being sent by the company to Singapore for their upgrading and overseas employment, and they are set to leave on August 11.

Cabalquinto said that welding is not an easy job but they can do it. She also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the staff of TESDA, Mt. Province who provided their skills.

In the recent State of the Nation Address of President Arroyo, she acknowledged government-trained lady welders who are now gainfully employed.

Murphy said the Subic Shipyard which is strategically located in the North of Subic Bay is the largest ship repair facility in the Philippines that can accommodate all types and sizes of vessels up to 340,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt).

Its 52 hectare site is classified as an Export Enterprise under Philippine Zone Authority, easing the supply of equipment and spare parts. It has a highly skilled workforce providing quality and on-time services with more than half of its production personnel having been trained at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan, he added. (by Juliet B. Saley - PIA MP)