The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority urged anew local government units to avail of its free contact tracing training program (CTTP) amidst the surge in Covid-19 cases.
In September last year, Tesda started offering free contact tracing training program to support the country’s fight against the spread of the Covid-19.
From September last year to March, 332 Tesda scholars completed their training on Contact Tracing Level II, based on the data gathered from the reports of the agency’s regional and provincial offices.
Sec. Isidro Lapeña earlier expressed optimism the initiative will benefit the community and the LGUs in their fight against the Covid-19.
“It is through this program that we can produce more graduates for the LGUs to utilize as contact tracers who will work to prevent the spread of (Covid-19) in their respective barangays,” he said.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said contact tracing has been the weakest point of the country’s pandemic response.
Contact tracing czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the country needs a 1:37 patient to close contacts ratio in order to cut the transmission of the disease.
The training on contact tracing, which was developed with the help of the Health Human Resources Development Bureau of the Department of Health and health industry experts, runs for 15 days under the blended learning modality.
Trainees for contact tracing must have completed at least 10 years basic education or holder of Alternative Learning System certificate of completion with grade 10 equivalent and has basic communication skills.
Trainees will be given a training allowance of P2,400 for the training duration, insurance coverage, and additional allowance to cover Internet expenses and personal protective equipment.
The graduates may apply in LGUs of their choice for possible employment after their training.
At the onset of the pandemic last year, Lapeña ordered for the registration of more health-related programs and tasked the agency’s Qualifications and Standards Office to develop competency standards on contact tracing.
He likewise directed the Tesda Technology Institutions nationwide to register the program and partner with barangay health centers, LGUs, Philippine Red Cross, or DOH facilities in their areas. – Press release
April 25, 2024
