May 22, 2026
Tzu Chi’s welding course receives TESDA certification
By Joy Rojas
Representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, on May 19 to present a Certificate of TVET Program Registration for the course on Welding Carbon Steel Plates & Pipes Using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) offered by the foundation’s Technical-Vocational Training and Livelihood Program.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez received the certificate from Paul John Ramos, director of TESDA’s Manila District. Also at the gathering were Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS) Focal Person Rene Boy Escuban and Tzu Chi volunteers.
The certification is a milestone for the Tech-Voc program, which began as a livelihood program in 2010. As of December 2025, it has awarded 1,120 scholarships on short, skills-based courses to underprivileged students, 95 percent of whom have earned their National Certificate II (NC II). The NC II is a TESDA-issued certificate that serves as a graduate’s proof of competency and ability to perform the basic skills of their course.
“Today was a very significant day for Tzu Chi Philippines because we have finally received our official registration as a TESDA training center,” says Tzu Chi Head of Technical-Vocational Programs Dolly Alegado Cruz. “This means our Tzu Chi course curriculum on Welding Carbon Steel Plates & Pipes Using Shielded Metal Arc Welding has passed world standards.
“As a registered training center, we can also access available funding from local agencies. It also gives us a brand of recognition, so we can approach partner companies to fund the other programs that we have.”
For Tzu Chi’s welding scholars, the TESDA-certified course gives them an edge over other applicants seeking employment both here and abroad.
Director Ramos, who was given a tour of the Tzu Chi campus, described its technical-vocational facilities as aligned with industry requirements. He was also impressed by how Tzu Chi trainers emphasize values-centered education as much as skills. Like scholars under Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program, Tech-Voc scholars attend Humanity classes, where they learn about helping without expectation, filial piety, caring for nature, and other teachings advocated by Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
“When it comes to industries, their usual concern is [work] attitude,” he says. “A big part of Tzu Chi Foundation is developing the humanitarian side of each scholar, not just to focusing on skills development.”
Ramos looks forward to more opportunities to collaborate with the foundation and its programs. “To strengthen the offerings of your technical-vocational education and provide more accessible trainings,” he says. “I saw earlier that your scholars come from different provinces. We will be able to help more.”
Adds Cruz, “As our CEO Henry Yuñez says, ‘This is a mission of love.’ One of the reasons why we would want to ensure and continue our partnership with TESDA is that we share the same advocacy: to reach as many individuals and families who are in need.”
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez welcomes Paul John Ramos, director of TESDA’s Manila District, for the awarding of a Certificate of TVET Program Registration for the course on Welding Carbon Steel Plates & Pipes Using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) offered by Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program.
Representatives from Tzu Chi and TESDA pose for a photo with the Certificate of TVET Program Registration.
Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang listens as Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS) Focal Person Rene Boy Escuban reads the certificate to Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Tzu Chi Head of Technical-Vocational Programs Dolly Alegado Cruz gives a brief history of Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So wished TESDA Manila District Director Paul John Ramos “a long term, so many people can be helped.”
The TESDA certification is more than a piece of paper, reminds Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang. “It’s also a significant step to our commitment to elevate our standards and open wider doors of opportunities to young people.”
Caregiving Batch 10 scholar Esmeralda Daganasol hosts the morning program at the Tzu Chi Café.
Caregiving scholar Jasmine Bailen accompanies the singing of the Tzu Chi Prayer on flute.
Tzu Chi Tech-Voc scholar-turned-trainer Elpidio Valdez Jr. (first from right) leads TESDA Manila District Director Paul John Ramos on a tour inside the teaching facility for welding.
Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational Supervisor and Liaison Officer Elizabeth Auste surprises TESDA Manila District Director Paul John Ramos with a cake for his belated birthday.