Davao City Youth Offered Affordable TESDA-Certified AI and IT Training Programs
In a significant development for technical education in Mindanao, Davao City is now providing accessible pathways for local youth to enter the lucrative Information Technology industry. The Jairo Institute, an IT-focused educational institution located in Cabantian, Davao City, has launched several Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-certified programs designed to equip Dabawenyos with cutting-edge digital skills.
Comprehensive TESDA-Certified Curriculum
The institute offers multiple TESDA-accredited courses that address current industry demands. Their program lineup includes training on Bubble.io, a revolutionary low-code and no-code platform for web development that significantly accelerates software creation. Additionally, they provide TESDA NCII-certified courses in Computer System Servicing (CSS) and Python programming specifically tailored for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
Mary Grace Garcia, program manager at Jairo Institute of Technology, emphasized that these programs directly respond to actual industry requirements. "Our TESDA programs represent innovative offerings in the educational market," Garcia explained. "We're providing comprehensive training that includes scrum master certification and project management using the scale agile framework—skills that are highly valued across global industries."
Scholarship Opportunities and Community Partnerships
Recognizing financial barriers that many young learners face, the institute has established scholarship programs in collaboration with local government units. One notable initiative involves an ongoing partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Buhangin, which provides free Bubble.io training to qualified participants. This AI-assisted technology platform enables rapid software development, transforming what traditionally required months into projects that can be completed in minutes.
Engineer Armelita Pulido, Technical-Vocational Institute head at JIT, highlighted the transformative potential of these tools. "Bubble.io represents a paradigm shift in software development," Pulido noted. "While conventional system development might take six months to a year, this platform allows users to create functional websites in mere minutes, dramatically lowering entry barriers for aspiring developers."
Industry-Relevant Training Approach
The institute's methodology emphasizes practical, hands-on learning rather than purely theoretical instruction. Their Computer System Servicing NC II course, for instance, utilizes industrial-based training setups that mirror real workplace environments. This approach prepares trainees for immediate employment in government agencies undergoing digital transformation, where personnel need skills to establish and maintain sophisticated IT systems.
Engineer Karl Jordan Caumban, SAFe project management trainer at the institute, stressed the importance of viewing artificial intelligence as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement for human capabilities. "It's crucial for the younger generation to learn how to harness AI effectively," Caumban stated. "These technologies aren't meant to displace workers but to optimize and enhance their existing capabilities, creating new opportunities in the process."
Accessible Education for Diverse Learners
While awaiting formal TESDA approval for expanded scholarship programs, Jairo Institute continues to offer affordable short-term courses targeting various demographics. Their programs specifically cater to out-of-school youth seeking alternative educational pathways and working adults requiring upskilling opportunities. This initiative represents a strategic response to the growing demand for digital literacy and technical competencies in the regional job market.
The convergence of TESDA certification, industry-aligned curriculum, and community partnerships positions Davao City as an emerging hub for technical education in the Philippines. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, these programs provide local youth with tangible opportunities to participate in the country's expanding technology ecosystem while addressing skill gaps in the regional workforce.
