From Skills to Paycheck: How Dipolog City’s “Training to Trabaho” Program is Changing Lives

COURTESY: DIPOLOG PIA

Empowering Filipinos, One Skill at a Time

In the heart of **DIPOLOG CITY**, a groundbreaking initiative is opening doors to brighter futures. Early January 2026 marked the launch of “Training to Trabaho,” a collaborative effort between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Local Government of Sindangan. This visionary program is driven by Secretary Kiko Benitez’s mission to create employment opportunities for Filipinos through **relevant, demand-driven skills training programs**.  

Imagine a program that not only teaches essential domestic housekeeping skills but also bridges the gap between learning and earning. Conducted by the TESDA Provincial Training Center–Sindangan, this **Domestic Housekeeping Micro-Credential Course** equips graduates with hands-on cleaning techniques, impeccable work ethics, and service excellence standards. The goal is simple yet impactful — to match the needs of busy households with the skills of trained workers, offering sustainable livelihoods while elevating the quality of service in the community.  

Turning Skills into Sustainable Livelihood

The “Training to Trabaho” initiative is more than just training; it’s a pathway to financial independence for TESDA graduates, solo parents, women, and marginalized residents. For households, the convenience is unmatched — on-call housekeeping services are available for ₱150 per hour, with a minimum of two hours per booking and an additional ₱50 per hour beyond the minimum. This flexibility meets the demands of modern families, freeing up time and reducing stress.  

Clients like Fatima Lagutan, a busy mother balancing work and family, attest to its value: “So far, the services are convenient and beneficial, especially for a busy mom like me hustling to earn more for my family.” Her words highlight the program’s immediate impact — providing both a reliable service to households and a steady income to workers. For those interested in availing services or joining the program, the Sindangan Public Employment Service Office and Livelihood Focal Persons are ready to assist, ensuring no willing hand is left without work.  

Bridging Progress: Sindangan's Leap Forward Through Roadworks

CREDIT: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 

In a significant stride towards bolstering accessibility and economic growth in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the completion of major road improvement works along the Dipolog – Sindangan – Liloy Road. This initiative not only marks a milestone in infrastructure development but also underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and travelers alike.

At the heart of this advancement are two critical sections that have been meticulously upgraded. The DPWH, under the vigilant direction of Region 9 Director Cayamombao D. Dia, spearheaded the reconstruction of a 4.4-kilometer stretch in Barangay Manawan and the concrete paving of a 1.5-kilometer section in Barangay Motibot. These enhancements are not merely infrastructural achievements but are the backbone of a safer, more efficient travel corridor that promises to revolutionize mobility within the area.

Director Dia eloquently highlighted the broader implications of these improvements, noting the pivotal role better road conditions play in ensuring safer and faster travel for motorists. The direct beneficiaries, the residents of the aforementioned barangays, are now privy to eased access to essential services, markets, and commercial establishments. This development is a catalyst for local economic growth, creating a fertile ground for commerce and improving the overall standard of living in the region.

The scope of work for these projects was extensive, encompassing portland cement concrete pavement, stone masonry, pipe culverts, and grouted riprap. Additionally, a focus on safety led to the inclusion of thermoplastic pavement markings, a testament to the DPWH’s commitment to not just road improvement, but to the safety and well-being of the community. The meticulous approach to these projects underscores the government's dedication to quality and sustainability in its infrastructure ventures.

The financial outlay for these projects was substantial, with the road rehabilitation and concreting projects amounting to P49 million and P29.4 million, respectively. These figures, managed by the DPWH Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office, represent a strategic investment in the region's future, highlighting the government's prioritization of infrastructure as a key driver of progress and development.

The completion of these road improvement works in Sindangan is more than a testament to governmental efficiency; it's a beacon of hope for the future. As these newly paved roads open up, they pave the way for more opportunities, ease of access, and a better quality of life for the people of Sindangan and its visitors. With this project, the DPWH has laid down the foundational stones for a future where Sindangan can thrive, connecting people, communities, and opportunities.

In conclusion, the completion of the road improvement works by the DPWH in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, is a significant leap forward for the municipality. It exemplifies a successful blend of strategic planning, financial investment, and commitment to community welfare. As we look to the future, it is clear that these developments will play a crucial role in shaping the economic and social landscape of Sindangan, driving it towards a prosperous and vibrant future.