Video Greetings from New Zealand!

Thank you Ms Jenn, of All ABout Jenn Vlogs, a Vlogger from New Zealand, for the awesome greetings and for featuring our School. Thank you for inspiring and bringing hopes to our countless Filipinos who wanted to work there. It is our goal to train world-class Filipino workers to compete with the rest of the world. More power to you! #TESDAWNAS#TESDAWANGAN Check this out for more updates about her Vlogs >> https://web.facebook.com/pinaydairyfarmersaNewZealand/

               Please check out the video! Thank you for watching it.

Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II Graduates, TEAM DUSLA!

The Team D.U.S.L.A. which stands for (Discipline, Unity, Sincerity, and Love for Animals) are some positive values that develop once a trainee completed the training of Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II. Because in TESDA - Wangan National Agricultural School, we embraced the concept of a fun-learning environment whilst developing the soft skills and camaraderie of each trainee. 

Let's watch their Audio-Visual Presentation on their various farm and community activities!

TESDA-WNAS Produced SUPERFOOD!

One might wonder about the latest superfood that TESDA–Wangan National Agricultural School has produced? To answer all that buzz, Agricultural Crops Production led by its Head Trainer Erlinda V. Ferrer harvested a remarkable yield of Adlai Grains from its field.

We consider this crop a superfood because of its amazing health benefits. Adlai is loaded with essential nutrients that our body needs. The grain is high in dietary fiber, packed with protein, and filled with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.

Ms. Erlinda V. Ferrer, Agri-Crops Production Trainer, checked if Adlai is ready to harvest. This is the first attempt of TESDA-WNAS to grow Adlai.

Adlai, also known as “Job’s Tears,” is a tropical plant belongs to the family of Poaceae or the grasses, the same kind as corn, wheat, and rice. It grows an estimated height of 1 to 3 meters tall until the harvest season.

In October 2019, TESDA-WNAS started its quest for the successful propagation of Adlai. Four months after sowing, from one hundred (100) grams of Adlai seeds, we harvested twenty-seven (27) kilograms of grains. In our case, we manually administered the process from sowing, weeding, harvesting until threshing to produce the tear-shaped grains which differ from white to brown in color.

Adlai grains with colors vary from brown to white.

Adlai production is very promising in terms of the Income Generating Project (IGP) of the institution. The price of Adlai may vary from Php 300.00 to Php 500.00 per kilogram, a way more expensive than its counterparts. The demand of this crop is high for the health-conscious people because Adlai is gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, making it safe for people who watch their sugar level, and for gym buffs, it has low carbs that anyone who consumes carbohydrates as a source of energy may become guilt-free. 

Ms. Erlinda V. Ferrer leads the harvest of Adlai.

This breakthrough suggests another reason for TESDA-WNAS to celebrate with significant challenges to keep in mind. First, if we can continue and increase the production of this high-value crop. Second, to engage in additional research to further develop its potential as a sustainable and healthier alternative to rice and corn. To generate awareness mechanisms highlighting its significance as superfood including marketing scheme to re-introduce Adlai as a game-changer in the food industry. The success of Adlai Production in TESDA-WNAS relies on the concerted efforts involved in this project and if all concerns are addressed properly. - Jonah D. Samillano / SMAC Focal

WNAS WASHABLE FACE MASKS PRODUCTION

During this time where Public Health Emergency was declared because of the pandemic Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), it is everyone’s concern to practice preventive measures to stop the chain of the outbreak. Anyone can be a victim in just a snap of a second if we failed to adhere to public health and safety practices. To the people at the forefront of this battle, our health workers, men in uniforms, and other individuals who put their lives at stake who served as our front liners. TESDA–Wangan National Agricultural School is one with them in fighting against this disease.

Our multi-skilled VIS Engr. Melanie M. Domingo showcased her sewing skills to make
cloth masks as protective gear for all WNAS employees against COVID-19. With her are
(L-R) Juverlyn Mae Lacano (Food Processing Trainer), Lady Pearlle Padillo (Admin
Staff) and Millie B. Lacano (Food Processing Trainer)

Last March 18, 2020, we conceptualized an initiative to produce our own washable face masks with the aid of our Vocational Instruction Supervisor, Engr. Melanie M. Domingo. Her ingenuity saved us from the always out-of-stocks supply of masks in the market as our basic protection against the virus. Trainers and staff have joined, skipped their regular routines, to assist in the production. For two days, we produced one hundred fifty (150) cloth face masks given to all WNAS employees.

 

VSA Felipe C. Hiquial Jr. helped in sewing washable face masks with his wife, 

Mrs. Romela A. Hiquial to be given to our dedicated front liers.

 

Because of the greater demand, and to share the goodwill to our front liners, our Vocational School Administrator Felipe C. Hiquial Jr. and his wife, Romela A. Hiquial, the School Principal of Wangan Elementary School, timed-out for the meantime as heads in their respective institution to help in the mass production of face masks. To date, an additional two hundred (200) face masks were produced and ready for distribution to different checkpoints near our school. 

(L-R) Sheila Delejero (Admin Staff), Angelita Petalcorin (Registrar), 

Marlon Singco (Driving Trainer / School Driver) and Adelfa Plaza (Cashier). 

They packed the face mask individually prior to the distribution.

When a great necessity arises, we become resourceful to meet the demand. We learn to take part in our social responsibility even in our simplest way to contribute to the healing of this disease that creates havoc to our community. - Jonah D. Samillano / SMAC Focal

Other Photos:

WNAS Initiatives on Banning of Single-Use Plastics

It is very timely that TESDA has favored the mandate of banning the single-use plastics in all TTIs and OUs. This has been an environmental hazard that needs to be addressed immediately. Based on research, plastic can outlive humans because it will not decompose easily in landfills. For instance, an ordinary plastic of bottled water will take almost 500 years to degrade.

TESDA-Wangan National Agricultural School (WNAS) shows full support to this directive. This movement will help to alleviate the ecological problem because this single-use plastic is a big chunk of the waste crisis we have today. From the name itself, single-use plastic is a disposable plastic that is designed to be used once only then thrown away if not being recycled.

Among the initial steps, we take in response to this directive are the following:

• Our Vocational School Administrator Felipe C. Hiquial Jr. drafted a memo to ban the single-use plastics. These include bottled water, plastic bags, disposable eating utensils (spoon, fork, glass, etc.), among others.

• We created an awareness campaign thru print ads and placed them in designated areas per qualification. Also, at the guardhouse about the impact of using single-use plastics on our environment.

• We take advantage of the social media platform (TESDA-WNAS FB Page) to hasten the awareness campaign.

• We recommend using eco-friendly or biodegradable materials.

TRAINEE'S PROFILE: Yves Dominic J. Lastimoso, the Agri-Sports Hunk of Animal Production!

Meet the twenty-year-old boy next door who advocates agriculture and outdoor sports activities. Unknown to many, Yves Dominic J. Lastimoso is a champion of his sports. He began cycling five years ago and since then; he scored medals after medals in Mountain Bike Race that he competed.

On one hand, he discovered his passion for agriculture when he was undecided to take up a bachelor’s degree in college after his senior high last summer. Instead, he ends up enrolling in TESDA–WNAS when a family friend who works at a dairy farm in New Zealand recommends our institution. It was a big change for him taking up Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II since the battlefield was new. Until he developed his passion for farming when he started his training.

 

Bunso, as his co-trainees called him as he’s the youngest, enjoyed the training in TESDA-WNAS because he learned a lot. He admitted that his soft skills improved as well since most of his classmates were matured and well-experienced in life. He thought of becoming self-reliant and independent the first time he survived being away from his parents since he stayed in the barn for almost three weeks to perform various tasks in ruminants production especially milking the dairy cows as early as three o’clock in the morning. The exciting chunk of his training was when he knew how to drive a Carabao-driven carriage (Balsa) to transport fodder and other farm supplies.

 

After he graduated in Ruminants, he moved to Animal Production (Swine) NC II hoping to increase his knowledge in animal production. After his swine training he plans to work in New Zealand to save for his future and when he comes back after a year, he will continue his studies while running a business.

 

He quips that “TESDA provides a short term program to gain skills and knowledge but offers a long-term benefit. TESDA molds me and makes me ready for a bigger future!”  As Yves designs, his master plan at a very young age is a wonderful gesture of success. Because he has much time to re-design it anytime he wants. He serves as a marvelous example of millennials today to plan ahead of his game.  TESDA–WNAS is proud to be part of his plan that prepares a blueprint for a brighter tomorrow. - Jonah D. Samillano / SMAC Focal

TRIBAL ROOTS – NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS!

Twenty-two-year-old Daryl Ayog is a proud member of Indigenous People (IPs) who belongs to the Bagobo Tribe in  Marilog District. He comes from an enormous family; in fact, he is the sixth out of his ten siblings.

Daryl Ayog delivers his impression speech in front of his classmates during their Housekeeping
Graduation Rites last September 25, 2019 at Roey's Event Center.

He started his journey in TESDA–WNAS when he took up Agricultural Crops Production NC I and NC III. Afterward, he proceeded to Animal Production NC II before he pursued Housekeeping NC II and NC III. 

Once he recounted having a topsy-turvy ride when he continued his training in TESDA–WNAS because of poverty and lacks financial support. But with his perseverance and commitment, he was able to harvest success. 

 

Last September 2019, he started his career as Room Attendant at Apo View Hotel. The experience of working at a four-star hotel is a perfect stepping stone for his desire to work abroad. For a greener opportunity to achieve his simple dream–to help his family and represent his roots! - By Albrecth Bravo Jr.