Bridging the Gap: How 70 TESDA Scholars Activated Their Skills for the Real World at Kaluppâ Foundation

20 July 2026 | Rafael Seño

Holding a technical certification in your hand is an extraordinary achievement. Passing an assessment proves you can perform in a controlled environment, whether that means nurturing soil, managing crops, or pulling a perfect espresso shot.

But what happens next?

On July 16, 2026, 70 TVET scholars, 45 from the Agricultural Crops Production NC II program and 25 from the Barista NC II program, gathered at Kaluppâ Integrated Farm in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. They came together not just to celebrate their technical training, but to take part in Pathways to Employment: A Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar, organized under Kaluppâ Foundation’s Up-Skilling Communities Initiative.

The goal of the day was clear: tackle the transition from classroom training directly to a real-world career.

TVET scholars listen attentively inside the open-air pavillon at Kaluppâ Integrated Farm as resource speakers share vital career transition strategies during the Pathways to Employment seminar.

(L-R) Beverly Rodil (LMD-PESO), Vice Governor Romulo A. Bacorro, Jr., Engr. Raymart Narzoles and Kamille Kay Benemerito (DOLE Marinduque), and Rafael Seño (Kaluppâ) stand united in supporting local scholars at Kaluppâ Integrated Farm.

Scholars enthusiastically raise their hands to participate as Ms. Beverly Rodil of LMD-PESO Marinduque delivers an interactive session on workforce readiness and career goals.

The "Why": Facing the Skills-to-Work Gap Head-On

Opening the seminar, Kaluppâ Foundation Executive Director Rafael Seño addressed the scholars with a grounded reality check backed by national data. Citing findings from the Congressional Policy and Education Commission (EDCOM II) and national graduate tracer studies, Seño pointed out a critical issue in the technical-vocational sector: the "skills-to-work structural transition gap."

"Thousands of certified, skilled individuals finish their courses but end up underemployed, working jobs completely unrelated to their training, or settling for substandard wages," Rafael Seño shared. "Why? Not because they lack technical skills, but because they lack the transition skills to navigate the formal economy."

To make the point clear, he offered a vivid comparison:

For Agricultural Scholars: An NC II certificate is like premium, high-quality seeds. Leaving them on a shelf or planting them in unplowed soil without understanding the market causes them to rot.
For Barista Scholars: Certification is like a top-tier espresso machine. Without proper power, correct water pressure, or a market of paying customers, it remains an unused piece of metal on a counter.

To ensure these graduates found their "power source" and "fertile ground," Kaluppâ Foundation brought government and community leaders directly to the farm to build distinct bridges to employment.

Bridging the gap between technical training and real-world employment: Key resource speakers gathered at Kaluppâ Integrated Farm for the "Pathways to Employment" seminar under the Up-Skilling Communities Initiative. Featured above are Kaluppâ Foundation Executive Director Mr. Rafael Seño, LMD-PESO Marinduque's Ms. Beverly Rodil, and DOLE Marinduque's Engr. Raymart Narzoles.

Together, the speakers equipped 70 TVET scholars with practical tools on job search strategies, labor standards, and workplace safety. Joined by partners from TESDA Marinduque and local government leaders, the collaborative effort highlighted how multi-agency support builds clear, safe career paths for local graduates.

Servant Leadership & Lifelong Learning: Insights from Vice Governor Romulo A. Bacorro, Jr.

The event was further honored by the presence of Provincial Vice Governor Romulo A. Bacorro, Jr., who delivered an inspiring address grounded in personal experience and dedication to public service.

Reflecting on his journey, Vice Governor Bacorro shared how his background as a medical professional and OB-GYN shaped his approach to leadership. Working directly on the ground with local communities taught him the core philosophy of servant leadership, putting service and community first, and self second.

In a moment that deeply resonated with the audience, he revealed a shared bond with the trainees: he, too, sat in their shoes, having completed the rigorous Barista NC II training and assessment, as well as the demanding Trainers Methodology Level I. His experience stood as living proof that true leaders never stop learning or upskilling.

Vice Governor Bacorro also highlighted the vital synergy between public agencies and private organizations like Kaluppâ Foundation, emphasizing that these collaborative ecosystems are essential for guiding scholars as they navigate the real world and build meaningful careers.

Marinduque Vice Governor Romulo A. Bacorro, Jr. inspired scholars by sharing his personal journey as an OB-GYN turned certified Barista NC II holder, highlighting the core values of servant leadership and lifelong learning.

Representing TESDA Marinduque, Mr. Jezreel Ferrer of the Buyabod School of Arts and Trade delivered a powerful message reminding scholars that while technical skills open doors, character and values keep them open.

Kaluppâ Foundation Executive Director Rafael Seño opened the seminar by tackling the "skills-to-work" transition gap, urging scholars to transform their classroom certifications into active, real-world careers.

Ms. Kamille Kay Benemerito of DOLE Marinduque equipped fresh graduates with workforce knowledge by breaking down General Labor Standards and baseline worker rights.

Engr. Raymart Narzoles of DOLE Marinduque guided participants through Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protocols to ensure scholars prioritize safety in their future workplaces.

Ms. Beverly Rodil of LMD-PESO Marinduque provided scholars with an actionable job market roadmap, covering interview strategies, regional vacancies, and legal fee exemptions under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (RA 11261).

TESDA Marinduque: "Skills Are the New Currency of Success"

Also representing key government support was the TESDA Marinduque Provincial Office. Representing Acting Provincial Director APD Erwin Buñag, Mr. Jezreel Ferrer of the Buyabod School of Arts and Trade delivered a powerful Message of Support.

Reflecting TESDA’s commitment to post-graduate success, Mr. Ferrer reminded the scholars that technical skills are only the starting line:

"Skills are the new currency of success... Receiving your certificate is not the finish line, it is only the beginning. Technical skills may open the door, but good values will keep that door open."

Mr. Ferrer emphasized that while the world will test their technical competencies, true career longevity relies on character, being responsible, honest, respectful, adaptable, and willing to continuously improve. Reaffirming the strength of the multi-agency collaboration, he concluded with an inspiring charge: "Be blessed and always be a blessing to others. Your success is not measured only by the salary you earn, but by the number of lives you positively influence along the way."

A scholar shares his thoughts during an open-floor discussion with DOLE Marinduque, bridging classroom lessons with real workplace inquiries.

Pre-employment orientation events serve as a vital stepping stone for TVET scholars, empowering them to build confidence, voice their inquiries, and prepare for real-world employment.

Kaluppâ Foundation TVET scholars stay fully engaged and focused as resource speakers share practical strategies for entering the workforce.

What the Participants Learned: 4 Pillars of Workforce Readiness

Throughout the day, resource speakers from partner agencies went out of their way to equip the scholars with practical, real-world tools:

1. The Technical Foundation

The journey began with TESDA, providing the rigorous training and global recognition behind the scholars’ NC II credentials. TESDA ensured their hands knew what to do, giving them the core technical competency required by modern industry.

2. Fair Labor Standards & Ethics

Transitioning into the workforce requires knowing your rights. Ms. Kamille Kay Benemerito opened the educational modules with an overview of General Labor Standards. Scholars gained essential knowledge on fair employment practices, baseline employee rights, and workplace ethics so they can enter job contracts with clarity and confidence.

3. Occupational Safety & Workplace Standards

Engr. Raymart Narzoles from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Marinduque guided participants through Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protocols. Scholars learned Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC), basic safety rules, and workplace emergency preparedness to ensure they remain safe and protected on the job.

4. Job Search Strategies, Legal Protections, & Market Mapping

To tackle job mismatches, Ms. Beverly Rodil from LMD-PESO Marinduque provided scholars with an actionable roadmap into the job market. She walked participants through defining employment goals, writing effective resumes, and preparing for job interviews.

Ms. Rodil also highlighted RA 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act), a vital law that waives government document fees (such as clearances) for first-time workers, removing a major financial barrier that keeps many young Filipinos from starting their careers. Additionally, she introduced international standards on eliminating workplace violence and harassment (ILO C190) and shared live regional job market data for baristas and agricultural professionals.

Scholars proudly display their Certificates of Training after completing the Pathways to Employment seminar at Kaluppâ Integrated Farm.

Empowered and job-ready, TVET scholars celebrate their milestone with big smiles, certificates in hand, and a strong sense of community.

Organizers, partner agency representatives, and scholars gather for a memorable group photo, symbolizing the multi-agency collaboration dedicated to guiding local graduates toward real-world success.

"Skills are the new currency of success... Receiving your certificate is not the finish line, it is only the beginning. Technical skills may open the door, but good values will keep that door open."

Full Circle: No One Stands Alone

Looking back at every message shared throughout the day, from Executive Director Rafael Seño’s call to bridge the skills-to-work gap, to Vice Governor Bacorro’s lesson in servant leadership, TESDA’s focus on values, DOLE’s safety protections, and LMD-PESO’s market guidance, one underlying truth emerges: no one really stands alone in life.

Whether you are an agricultural scholar learning to cultivate the earth or a barista crafting a brew, technical skill is only one piece of the puzzle. The real strength lies in the community surrounding you. The multi-agency partnership displayed during Pathways to Employment was living proof that private foundations, government leaders, and local communities are all rowing in the same direction, sharing one boat to lift each other up.

As these 70 scholars step out of the farm and into the professional world, they do so with the confidence that they are backed by an entire ecosystem committed to their success. They leave not just as graduates with certificates, but as empowered individuals ready to transform their lives, uplift their families, and serve as blessings to their communities.

To learn more about our ongoing community programs and up-skilling initiatives, follow Kaluppâ Foundation on Facebook or contact us at foundation@kaluppa.org.

Images from Kaluppâ Foundation and DOLE Marinduque