Miracle Animation Studios Inc.

     I asked Grace and Alstaire to write about their knowledge and experiences about the animation training certifications and related skills in the visual arts requirements by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) – a government agency handling all kinds of skills education and training in the country. The essays will be a guide to all current and would be students, animators, game developers, game programmers, investors and animation trainers in the country.

Overview

     The Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) was established in the year 2000 with the help of the Bureau of Export and Promotions (BETP) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The animation sector has been identified by the government as an emerging and dollar-earning industry that should be supported and promoted. The Philippine animation industry was also included as one of the Information Technology (IT)-enabled services that is under the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Under the umbrella organization of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) together with other growing BPO sectors like Call Centers, Software Industry, Health Management and Medical Transcription; the government started making plans to push these industries as a forefront to increase the employment in the country in terms of manpower services. 

     As manpower demand for these IT and IT-enabled services increased; the training and school curriculum needs to be updated to meet the demands of the industries. We are now in a new and technology-based era, our education system needs to be overhauled to accommodate these new technologies for the needs of the industry. Fresh graduates should be industry ready and could be hired immediately.

     TESDA is the first government agency in skills education that partnered with ACPI last 2004. TESDA and ACPI industry-based experts worked on the curriculum for the competency skills needed by the animation sector. These are:

           a) Animation National Certificate (NC)II – 516 hours (for Traditional

               Assistant Animators)

           b) 2D Animation NCIII – 840 hours (for Traditional and Digital Animators)

           c) 3D Animation NCIII – 1040 hours (for 3D Animators)

     The training is for about 5 to 8 hours about 5 days a week and can last between 2.5 months to 3.5 months if they train 8 hours a day for 5 days a week for the Animation NCII and 2d Animation NCIII; for 3D Animation NCIII – this could take at least 6 months. The NC could reach to NC V, which is of higher competence and skill. The NC could be required by local and/or foreign employers as a basic requirement looking for qualified applicants, but they will still have their own tests for which the applicants need to pass. There is no need to be a college graduate to take the NC courses; a high school graduate who is at least 18 years old can take the Animation NC courses and if he passes, he can be employed already by companies willing to take him.

     There are many training centers around the country; I (Grace) had visited training centers for about 3 to 5 days each in Alabang, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Greenhills, Las Piñas, Makati, Bacolod, Baguio, Bicol, Butuan, Cabanatuan, Cavite, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Leyte and Zamboanga. There are many other training centers that I have not yet visited. The said training centers should be accredited by TESDA  and its license renewed every 4 to 5 years and should have 70 to 80% of its graduates pass the National Certificate (NC) exams.

Animation NCII in Butuan

2D Animation NCIII in Makati

3D Animation NCIII in Bacolod

      ACPI also assisted in the curriculum developed for Graphic Artists and Designers called Visual Graphics NCIII – 800 hours. The association further promoted a finished curriculum made by the industry-based comic artists & illustrators called Illustrator NCII. By 2006, all the curriculum developed by TESDA and ACPI were approved by the TESDA board of directors for printing and nationwide distribution for all TESDA Tech-Voc schools. In 2007, the official TESDA scholarship vouchers for accredited TESDA Animation Courses were released. The amount per scholar during that time was Php 10K  for Animation NCII, 2D Animation NCIII, and 3D Animation NCIII.

     Other than the scholarship programs, TESDA also has international partnerships. South Korea is one of the active partners of TESDA in terms of Tech-Voc education. In 2007, the Korea-Philippines IT training center building was finished in Quezon City. The land was donated by the Quezon City government, the building was funded by the Korean government and the training will be under TESDA. The programs in the partnership should be under the IT-enabled services of which animation was included. The first 3 batches of animation scholars were trained under the Phil-Korea IT training center under a TESDA-ACPI Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). To date, the building was turned over and fully operated by the Quezon City government.

   Phil-Korea IT Training Center Building in Quezon City

     By 2011, a lot of demand for digital animation was requested by ACPI from TESDA. Unfortunately, the scholarship vouchers did not cover the costs of the software and hardware upgrade. The TESDA training centers found it very hard to offer the courses and pay the trainers. A new cost for the animation courses was suggested by ACPI and approved by the new TESDA head – Mr. Joel Villanueva. The new costs are:

          a) Animation NCII (516 hours) – Php 15k per voucher

          b) 2D Animation NCIII (840 hours) – Php 25K per voucher

          c) 3D Animation NCIII (1040 hours) – Php 35K per voucher

     These new scholarship costs were implemented in 2012 up to present. All TESDA schools with registered TESDA Animation courses can avail of these vouchers through their own TESDA districts or through the membership with the ACPI. Memorandum of agreements was signed with ACPI by TESDA for the implementation and monitoring of the progress and employment tracking of the vouchers released to its member companies and schools.

     MOA signing of  TESDA with ACPI for vouchers – April 2014

    In line with the need for high-end equipment for 2D digital animation and 3D animation courses, TESDA partnered again with Korea for the new building called Philippine-Korea Friendship Center at Bayanihan road, Taguig City. The building was finished in 2012 and it houses 3 major programs: 3D animation, Game Programming, and Mechatronics. All pieces of equipment, software, hardware, and materials were provided by Korea. The first batch of instructors was also sent to Korea for 3 months training in skills and management. TESDA will implement the training programs together with the assistance of some Korean experts to sustain and manage the building and provide highly skilled graduates ready for the industry.

Phil-Korea Friendship Center  Building at Taguig City

3D Game Programming Room

Mechatronics Room

1st Batch of Filipino Trainers in Korea

     During the same year 2012, ACPI assisted TESDA on the development of a new emerging industry – game development. Game Developers Association of the Philippines Inc. (GDAP) was formed around 2008 -2009. The new courses are:

          a) 2D Game Art & Design NCIII

          b) 3D Game Art & Design NCIII

          c) Game Programming NCIII

     These programs are now in its rollout period to test its viability and acceptability in the sector. It does not have scholarship vouchers yet and is still under discussion with TESDA.

     All TESDA registered courses are mandated to have their graduates undergo the National Assessment (NA) after its training period is consumed. The schools and training centers are required to have at least 70-80% passers per assessment. This is carefully monitored by TESDA. If the schools or training centers cannot meet the passing percentage given for their graduates, their license as a TESDA-accredited school can be revoked.

     To avail of the scholarship program depends on the fund availability from TESDA. A training center if given the scholarship voucher should be used it within the year. If there are no funds released for the scholarship, the students shall automatically pay the tuition fee for the course. All art related, animation, graphics and design TESDA accredited courses has a creative exam for the students as a qualification requirement for the program. To date, only ages 18 to 45 years old are allowed to be part of the training program.

     For further details on TESDA accredited courses, Training Regulations (TR) and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for animation, illustration, Graphics and Visual Design and Game Development, accredited and registered training centers, trainers and assessors, please visit the TESDA website: http://www.tesda.gov.ph

Article by Grace A. Dimaranan: Board Director – Animation Council of the Philippines, TESDA industry expert, Trainer and Assessor for Animation and Graphics/Design, Managing Director – Top Peg Animation Studio Inc.

Understanding the TESDA Programs, Assessments and Certification

TESDA Program Registration

    There are many accredited courses offered by TESDA that can be viewed and downloaded at their website under Programs and Services – Competency Standards Development. In this link, all the training regulations (TR) of all the courses offered by TESDA are listed.

     To avail and teach any of the TESDA courses, a school or training center should first apply for and obtain the necessary documents to be accredited. When all the requirements are satisfied and the facilities are inspected by TESDA, the school or training center will be given the Certificate of Program Registration (COPR). Application process is at the link: http://www.tesda.gov.ph/About/TESDA/26

Certificate of Program Registration (COPR)

TESDA Trainer Qualification

    The Trainer of these applying school/training center should already be certified and holder of the National Certificate (NC) of the program they want to teach. The Trainers Methodology Certificate (TMC) – a required 1-month seminar to familiarize with TESDA standards and Methodology and the National TVET Trainers Certificate (NTTC) is required.

National Certificate (NC)

Trainers Methodology Certificate (TMC)

National TVET Trainers Certificate (NTTC)

National Certification

    All TESDA registered programs are mandatory to have their graduates take the National Assessment at the end of the training period to determine their level of skill if they are competent (C) or not yet competent (NYC). Not yet competent means that the student should review, study and apply the competencies in the course he/she is weak at in executing a skill. The accredited assessor will give the necessary feedback to the student to focus on to study. After which, the student will now determine when he/she will be ready to take a reassessment exam again.

     The assessment exam undergoes three processes: demonstration of skills, written exam and an interview. The assessment is conducted only at an accredited TESDA Assessment Center or at the local TESDA districts of each city. There are requirements to bring on each assessment that one can ask the nearest TESDA office.

    There are two types of National Certificate under TESDA. The full qualification certificate or the National Certificate (NC) and the Certificate of Competency (COC) which means that the candidate did not qualify to receive the full NC but has demonstrated skills, knowledge, and competency on certain areas. For example, in the Visual Graphics Design NC III – to be awarded the full NC III of this TESDA course, one must demonstrate the knowledge and skills on the following core competencies: 1) Develop Designs for Print Media. 2) Develop Designs for Electronic Media. 3) Develop Designs for Product Packaging. 4) Design Booth and Product/Window Display.

     If only 1 or 2 or even 3 of the core competencies is demonstrated by the candidate, he/she will not receive the full NC but a Certificate of Competency (COC) on the particular skill the candidate has successfully passed. If the candidate only demonstrated skills and knowledge on “Develop Designs for Media” then the candidate will only receive the COC on that core competency. The candidate then can take an assessment exam for the remaining 3 of the core competencies of the Visual Graphics Design NC III at his/her own pace. When the candidate already has completed the COC of the 4 core competencies, he/she can now bring the 4 COC certificates to the TESDA Office to be converted into the full NC of the Visual Graphics Design NC III.

Certificate of Competency (COC)

Enlarged from the Above COC Sample

TESDA Programs Connected with the Arts, Design, and Animation with its Core Competencies

A) Illustrator NCII

1. Apply techniques to produce drawings
2. Source concept for own work
3. Develop and articulate concept of own work
4. Use drawing techniques to represent the object or idea
5. Prepare, store and maintain finished work

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be a comic artist, book/magazine illustrator or a cartoonist.

B) Visual Graphics Design NC III

1. Develop designs for print media
2. Develop designs for electronic media
3. Develop designs for product packaging
4. Design booth and product/window display

     A person who has achieved this qualification can be employed in any or more of the following: visual graphic artist, creative/art director, layout artist, graphic designer, web designer, visual graphics multimedia artist, booth and product/window display designer.

C) Animation NC II

1. Produce cleaned-up and in-between drawings

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a clean-up artist, In-between artist/in-betweener, clean-up art checker, in-between checker.

D) 2D Animation NC III

1. Produce key drawings for animation
2. Produce cleaned-up and in-between drawings
3. Create 2D digital animation
4. Use an authoring tool to create an interactive sequence

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a 2D digital animator, library builder, layout artist, multimedia artist, web designer, animation checker, clean-up artist, in-between artist/in-betweener, clean-up art checker, in-between checker.

E) 3D Animation NC III

1. Produce key drawings for animation
2. Create 3D digital animation
3. Use an authoring tool to create an interactive sequence

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a 3D animator, animation checker, animation designer, multimedia artist.

F) 2D Game Art Development NC III

1. Develop and conceptualize art style
2. Create storyboard and asset list
3. Prepare art document
4. Develop final artwork using graphics application
5. Apply in-game animation

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a 2D game artist, 2D game concept artist, 2D game animator.

G) 3D Game Art Development NCIII

1. Develop and conceptualize art style
2. Create storyboard and asset list
3. Prepare art document
4. Develop 3D model using 3D graphics application
5. Develop 3D textures using graphics application
6. Apply rigged in-game animation

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a 3D game artist, game concept/visual artist, 2D game animator, modeler, rigger, texture artist.

H) Game Programming NC III

1. Design game program logic
2. Apply object-oriented programming language skills
3. Apply programming skills to in-game application

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be: a game programmer, technical game designer, game tester, tools programmer, gameplay scripter.

I) Photography

1. Operate a camera and compose a subject
2. Set up studio lights, equipment, and accessories
3. Perform post-capture processing
4. Present finished products

      A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be a professional photographer.

J) Technical Drafting NC II

1. Draft architectural layout and details
2. Prepare computer-aided drawings
3. Draft structural layout and details
4. Draft electrical and electronic layout and details
5. Draft sanitary and plumbing layouts details
6. Draft mechanical layout designs

      A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be a draftsman and CAD operator.

K) Mechanical Drafting NC I

1. Prepare basic engineering drafting
2. Perform basic engineering detail drafting

     A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be a mechanical draftsman.

L) Fashion Design NC III

1. Create garment designs
2. Calculate and procure garment materials
3. Supervise garment prototype preparation and mass production
4. Evaluate finished product
5. Supervise packaging and dispatching of finished garment
6. Perform promotional activities for fashion products and/or services

    A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be a fashion illustrator (apparel), production manager (apparel), fashion stylist (apparel), fashion designer (apparel).

     Details of the above TESDA programs can be accessed and downloaded at the TESDA website under training regulations.

Grace A. Dimaranan is an industry expert consultant for TESDA, CHED and DepEd courses, TR developer, veteran animator and designer, Managing Director of Top Peg Animation & Creative Studio Inc. and School Director at Top Peg Institute for Animation & Design (http://www.toppeganimation.com). For assessment schedules under the TESDA arts/animation design courses, please call 4032419 or 8711590 and email: egsarthou@gmail.com

TESDA Scholarships

    TESDA grants scholarships to qualified candidates or students who want to learn a TESDA program. The training is for FREE but it can only be availed and conducted at a registered TESDA training facility.The training facility should have the right equipment and set up that has passed the TESDA requirements under the specific program Training Regulation (TR), have the necessary document processing and underwent an ocular inspection by TESDA personnel. After all the requirements are filed and checked, TESDA grants the Certificate of Program Registration (COPR).

    There are 4 types of TESDA training: 1) School-Based Programs. 2) Centre Based Programs. 3) Community-Based Programs and 4) Enterprise Based Programs. Further description of these programs can be searched at the TESDA website.

      The IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), Game Development Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Philippine Software Industry Association of the Philippines (PSIA), Call Centre Association of the Philippines (CCAP) and the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP) are industry organisations that forged a partnership with TESDA which are under the Enterprise Based Programs and School-Based Programs.

     To avail of the Scholarship Program, all registered TESDA schools and training centers should submit a Qualifying Map (QM) signed by their TESDA District director, Regional Director and Provincial director to indicate how many scholarship vouchers they need for training within the year. The Qualifying Map will be first investigated by the TESDA district representatives to check if the school or training centre or company is capable of the following: 1) Ready and up to date facilities for training, 2) Updated records of all COPR, NC, NTTC of trainers, 3) The right number of classrooms to support the number of trainees as requested in the QM, 4) The requesting training centre has no pending cases with TESDA, 5) The training centre has good standing records of the graduates and assessment each year. At least 70% passing rate of graduates with assessment should be recorded for all the vouchers or scholarships consumed each year. If the training center does not follow the standards as required by TESDA; the Certification of Registration will be revoked or may not be renewed by TESDA.

Sample of Blank QM

    All TESDA registered schools and training centers receiving the TESDA vouchers have to finish their training first BEFORE they get paid by TESDA. Meaning the schools will have to shoulder all the expenses of the scholars in their school for the term of the vouchers given by TESDA before they get paid. As proof of billing and receiving the check payment from TESDA the school needs to follow and submit the following:

1. Birth Certificate of the scholars (for the creative sector, only 18-45 years old are allowed)
2. Scholars need to pass a creative exam to qualify
3. Affidavit of being a scholar is submitted  by the students
4. Answering an online exam provided by TESDA called YP4SC (Youth Profiling for Starting a Career)
5. School submits the enrollment report for students
6. School submits the attendance with signature of students
7. School schedules an assessment exam after the student graduates

    Students who pass the assessment will be given the National Certificate (NC), those who passed only a few competencies are given the Certificate of Competency (COC) and the students who did not pass are given feedback by the assessor and is encouraged to study again their mistakes and are rescheduled for reassessment when they are ready.

     8. School submits a terminal report if they will bill the number of graduates to TESDA.

     Whether the students pass or not, as long as they completed the training, TESDA will pay the vouchers. In certain cases, if the student drops out, got sick, becomes disabled, transferred to another region or country – the vouchers allotted will be void and TESDA will not pay the voucher to the school.

     The schools should qualify all their scholars, as there is no expense paid by the scholars, in many cases, the schools even provide the materials used by the scholars. If the students show little drawing ability, the schools usually ask the student to study basic drawing first, which they will have to pay a tuition. If the students are assessed as good enough to take the animation courses, then they can apply for a scholarship. Internal arrangements should be made by the school to their students to ensure that the training will be completed. Non-completion of training in some schools will result in the payment of damages equivalent to the amount of the scholarship by the student to the school.

     9. After the student graduates, they can either work as an intern or on-the-job trainee to companies or get a regular job if it’s available. Schools are required to report the employment whereabouts of their graduates within 6 months and submit this to TESDA. Non-compliance means the school is not following requirements and will affect its next request for vouchers. The point of the scholarship program is to be employed after training.

     10. TESDA releases the payment after all requirements are submitted by the school in a timely manner. Checks are processed and released around 1 to 3 months after all documents are submitted. A TESDA staff informs the school if the check is already available. The school then gives an official receipt to TESDA as proof of the payment received.

Availing the Scholarship

    There are certain requirements needed for each candidate to be qualified to attend a scholarship program.

STEP 1. Depending on the training center, the candidate may take a qualifying exam, go thru an interview, show some portfolio or be reviewed to submit the financial status of the family to the training center for the initial screening process.

STEP 2. The candidate is oriented to the training center and the program. Documents from TESDA will be signed like the Affidavit of Undertaking, application form, and online forms. A separate agreement is also signed between the student and the training center. Official endorsement forms with names of students will be submitted to TESDA.

STEP 3. During the training, the student’s attendance, performance, and attitude are carefully monitored and evaluated by the accredited trainer. Scholarship vouchers are given out and filled up properly by the official student trainees. Dropouts and non-attendance will be reported to TESDA by the training center.

Sample of Voucher

STEP 4. After the training, a mandatory assessment is scheduled by the training center.

STEP 5. Results of the assessment, terminal report, attendance, filled out scholarship vouchers, the billing statement will be submitted to the respective districts.

STEP 6. Wait for TESDA advice if all documents are cleared and checked out. Check payment for the scholarship training will be released to the training center between 1 to 3 months waiting time.

     The training center has 6 months to report to TESDA; the whereabouts and location where the graduates have been employed or currently working at. It is one of the final requirements of the scholarship voucher reporting.

Ad to Get Scholars to Attend TESDA Training

Some TESDA Scholars for 2D NCIII from Nov.17, 2014 to February 15, 2015

TESDA Scholars Training for Animation Freehand Drawing 

TESDA Scholars in Computer Animation Training

Article by Grace A. Dimaranan

TESDA – DOLE Onsite International Assessment

   TESDA and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) have launched their pilot Onsite Assessment in the last quarter of 2014. The pilot Onsite Assessment is to give assessments and certifications to Filipino OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) or those Filipinos working abroad who need certificates for their skills upgrade to have more employment options, get a raise on their current working status or get new jobs with their certificates after showcasing their skills from an onsite industry knowledgeable TESDA accredited assessor/s.

     This is the first time that TESDA has launched to go outside the Philippines bringing the TESDA Assessment standards to other countries. TESDA has sent accredited TESDA assessors, certification officers, assessment center managers and officials to conduct and sign certificates in some pilot countries with Filipinos wishing to get certificates for relevant TESDA programs in those countries. The countries chosen for this pilot onsite assessment are Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai UAE. I was chosen as one of the accredited TESDA assessors for the ICT Program – Visual Graphics Design NCIII for Dubai. TESDA paid for the airfare, food allowance and hotel accommodations for all the assessors invited; while DOLE prepared the venue of assessment, announced the assessment dates and screened the candidates in each of the countries mentioned. The venue for the assessment at Dubai was the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

POLO Building in Dubai

Orientation at the POLO Building

     The TESDA programs that underwent assessment in Dubai last December 1 to 5, 2014 were: Visual Graphics Design NCIII, Technical Drafting NCII, Beauty Care (Body & Face) NCII, Beauty Care (Nail Care) NCII, Hairdressing NCII, Massage Therapy NCII, Pinoy Wellness (Hilot) NCII and Food & Beverage Services NCII. The assessment was 8 hours and the results were given before the candidates went home. In Dubai, there were 123 candidates who arrived for assessment – 101 passed and received the full NC, 21 received COCs and only 1 was not yet competent for the assessment. The OFWs who took the exams relied more on their experiences rather than having some formal training. The others who had a core group met once a week to share their experiences and help one another in technical skills such as the use of computers. 

Grace at the Visual Graphics Venue

Grace with Visual Graphics Candidates

Orientation for the Visual Graphics Assessment

Candidates with COCs

Full Qualification for NC in Visual Graphics NCIII

NC for Visual Graphics NCIII from Dubai

Technical Drafting Assessment -Dubai

Beauty Care Assessment – Dubai

Massage Therapy Assessment – Dubai

     Overall, it was a good step for TESDA-DOLE to come up with the onsite assessment but it was a costly undertaking. The full force of certification officers and assessors plus some of the materials for assessment were brought and flown to the pilot countries. In the future, the venue office and partner agency will provide the materials for the venue to lessen the expenses. It was a good experience and all the Filipinos abroad were very thankful that the certification was brought in and it gave them a chance to upgrade their skills and get a better job with a better pay grade. In UAE, they all said that the certification is a big factor in employment.

Dubai Representatives and Assessors at the Airport

Dubai TESDA and DOLE Representatives

Awarding with TESDA and DOLE Officers at the POLO

Dubai Graduates

Article by Grace A. Dimaranan

National Certificate Examinee/Examiner – Alstaire A. Sarthou

National Certificate III Assessment for 2D Animation

     Back in March 2009, I knew that the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) was having a partnership with TESDA. And I believed that Grace wanted Top Peg Studio to be a training and assessment center as well for TESDA. TESDA awarded scholarship vouchers for training centers, and with these vouchers, training centers can give discounts to people want to gain skills for his chosen industry but don’t have the means for a college education. Grace asked me if I wanted to take the National Certification (NC) III Assessment for 2D Animation. I asked her what was this assessment for, Grace said that it was like a diploma for us, that we were industry standard animators. I thought why would we need it since we have worked without this NC. I then learned that for us to train animation under TESDA, we would also need this certificate as one of the requirements. I would be the first trainer for Top Peg with an NC III certificate, so I said yes. Since I was already an animation practitioner, I did not need to take up any NC classes in animation.

     The assessment was held at the Cutting Edge Studio in Makati. I had good company with some longtime animators in the industry, and there were some from Iloilo. I learned that there were 2 types of assessment for 2D animation: NC II which is for Clean Up and In-between and NC III which is for animators. The assessor for that day was Grace herself and there were also 2 TESDA representatives to observe. We could animate digitally or traditionally. I chose to animate digitally because I was excited to use the Wacom Cintiq tablet; there were about 20 Cintiq tablets in the studio and it was my first time to use one. One of the animators at Cutting Edge showed us how to use the tablets, which was fairly easy to use.

Cutting Edge Studio in Makati – One of Three Rooms

     There was an assessment fee of Php 500. We then needed to fill up the self-assessment guide, this is a pre-assessment tool to help the candidate and the assessor determine what evidence is available. In this guide, there are a set of questions regarding your chosen field, and if you answer no to any of the questions, you cannot take the assessment. Even if you say yes, the assessor will still see if you are competent to take the test and be certified. But some people just answer all yes, thinking that they could pass the assessment test later on.

     The assessment lasted from 9am to 5pm but I cannot divulge the assessment process for animation because this is confidential and prevent any leakage for future candidates. I can only say that the assessment has an actual demonstration or practical exam and after this an oral interview. After the practical exam, we were interviewed by Grace individually in front of the 2 TESDA representatives. I also learned that this is a way for the assessor to gather evidence of the skill and knowledge of the candidate/s. When everyone was done, we were individually informed of the results. I learned that all the industry animators passed, but the candidates from Iloilo did not qualify. I later learned that they were teachers for Multimedia, and they really did not know how to “animate”. They knew how to make shapes and move the text digitally, but they did not know the principles behind animating a character.

    After 10 days, I asked my wife to pick up my certificate at the TESDA office in Taguig. Grace told me that I should pick it up personally, but if I am too busy, I need to give my wife an authorization letter and my ID for her to get it.

       Upon receiving my certificate, I learned that it expires after 5 years. It had a dry seal of TESDA and a certificate number. I used this to check if  I am listed on the TESDA site. They said when you pass the assessment you will be automatically listed. I entered my name but there was nothing listed. When I entered the certificate number, I saw my name incorrectly spelled. It was spelled Sarthon instead of Sarthou; oh well at least the name in the certificate was correct.

 2D Animation NC III Certificate

National Certificate 3 Assessment in Visual Graphic Design

     On May 2010, another NC III assessment was scheduled at TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig, this time it was for Visual Graphic Design. Grace asked me and another colleague, Socrates Gucor if we wanted to take the assessment. I asked Grace at that time as to why do we need to take another certificate. This is where Grace explained that in order for us to teach other fields like Illustration and Design, we needed to have the National Certification for those fields. We will also need to have an NTTC 1 (National Trainers Training Certificate 1) to be an official TESDA trainer. I was surprised with all the requirements, but we both agreed to take the Visual Graphic Design assessment. I was also curious as to what they would have us do in the assessment.

     At that time, I really didn’t understand the purpose of the certificates and so do many other animators when Grace invited them to take the assessment. It seemed to be time-consuming, as animation studios or even art studios don’t really require employees to have one, I was wondering where else I could use these certificates.

    At the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig, each candidate had a laptop ready in the assessment area. We were introduced to the TESDA representative, an assessment center representative (who is also from TESDA), and the assessor, Grace Dimaranan. I was surprised that Grace was also the assessor for Visual Graphics, I later learned that there was no assessment centers available for this skill. Grace said we should apply to be an Assessment Center, it would be an additional income for the company. We were given the orientation of what to expect during assessment and we were given a self-assessment guide and application forms. The fee was still Php 500. The assessment procedure was still the same, a practical exam or demo followed by an oral interview. Aside from me and Socrates, the other candidates were new graduates or were already working. Of the 12 candidates, I believe about 10 of us passed. 

     After the assessment, we were each given feedback on our work. Each candidate was given the result separately. Grace gave our claim stub for those who passed. And we were told that we would be able to get our certificate after 10 days.

NC III in Visual Graphic Design

Trainers Methodology 1 or TM1 or TM Plus

     Ever since I got my first NC, Grace has been trying to schedule me to take the Trainers Methodology Seminar 1 or TM1. Together with the NC, these are the requirements to be an accredited trainer or assessor for TESDA. This seminar teaches the methodologies in training under TESDA standards. We would also learn how to make a CBLM which stands for Competency-Based Learning Materials under the TESDA template and guide standards. The problem was it would take 21 to 30 days, 8 hours a day, to complete the whole training. This would be hard not only for me but for the studio as well since I didn’t have any assistants during that time.

     Then there was a special TM1 training that would be done in Singapore. I believe TESDA was working with Singapore in providing trainers for a Training Center there. Grace sent one of our Junior Artists – Rec Bolanos, who was the Top #1 artist who graduated from our Pasay training. After a month, he said he hasn’t finished his portfolio to be able to receive his certificate, then after this, he still needed to take the assessment. My first impression was the training looked really difficult, since it took a month and Rec had still some work to finish. Eventually, Rec resigned from Top Peg; and because of family matters and he wasn’t able to finish what he started in training. So this really made me think if I really wanted to spend this amount of time just to study how to train the TESDA way.

     Grace then announced that she had worked out an agreement with TESDA together with ACPI. Instead of 21 to 30 days, the training would only be in 12 days, and Grace, together with other industry based assessors would be the ones to handle the way the training will go. Her reasoning was she, as an artist might be able to better explain to other artists the standards of TESDA. They called this the fast way of training TM1 or TM Plus. Since it was only 12 days, it was the best time for me and the studio to have us enter the training.

     November 2012, after finishing some deadlines at the office, I was able to enter the 2nd batch of training. The training was at the University of Makati (UMAK); I was surprised at how big and advanced the facilities were. The training fee for TM1 was Php 15,000, but since this was a scholarship given to ACPI, it was free. Together with Luis, we were the artists from Top Peg to enter the 2nd batch of training. This was a great opportunity for us to learn something new.

   Training at the University of Makati

     On the first day, we were oriented on what to expect in the training. At the orientation, I met other candidates, some from other animation studios, others were teachers from STI, and some were computer programmers. We were also batched together with hundreds of Call Center Trainees, but they were segregated from us since their training was a bit different. From what I understood, TESDA is based on a modular way of training, where each core competencies or main topics are separated into modules. Each trainee needs to finish one module at his own pace before going to the next module. For TM plus, we needed to complete 3 parts that had 6 modules and 1 internship. These were:

A) Deliver Training Sessions – which showed us how to teach candidates using a competency-based curriculum and maintain a training center. These are separated into 5 modules.

1) Plan Training Sessions

2) Utilize Electronic Media

3) Facilitate Learning Sessions

4) Supervised Work-based Learning

5) Maintain Training Facilities

B) Conduct Competency Assessment – which showed us how to conduct an assessment for candidates who want to be assessed on their chosen skill.

C) TM Plus Internship – at the end of 12 days, we needed to apply what we have learned to the next batch of candidates for TM plus, to see if we understood what we have learned.

     Each topic or module had each of us complete 3 forms of self-assessment, a written test, multiple choice questions, that we needed to complete after reading a module. If we didn’t reach the required number of correct answers, we had to go back and learn. Then we can take the test again until we pass it. On other modules, there are demos or practical exams we needed to perform these to be evaluated if what we are doing is correct. And lastly, oral interviews on some of the modules…these are the different ways the facilitators will check if we understood the modules.

     The first module, Plan Training Sessions, was the most tedious of all modules. We needed to do a portfolio, which is a sample module or learning material. We will base this material on Training Regulations of the skill we wish to teach. From here we would know the number of hours each topic the candidate needs to complete. These means that everything that we would teach or create in the module will be based on the competency or skill needed in the industry.

     The biggest difference between TESDA and a college education is self-paced curriculum versus learning at a specified time in college. After the 12 days, if we haven’t finished our portfolio, we can still continue until we finished everything. After 12 days, we had completed everything except our portfolio. What was difficult in completing our portfolio was that we needed to place all the lectures of the specific core competency we chose. The simplest description of the portfolio we are doing is a Workbook for the candidate. This module when finished can be sold to TESDA training centers for them to use. Each module can command a price of P40,000. You are like an author creating a book. In the training, we didn’t need to finish the module. They just want us to do one learning outcome or topic. However, none of us ever sold our module, since some training centers may just copy it and sell it themselves. Some training centers also don’t have people who have passed TESDA TM Plus, so they will just use the modules as if they have a TESDA passer for the module skill set and the TM Plus.

      The first few days were really difficult, it was like learning a new language. When we started, there were about 40 trainees, slowly the number of trainees dwindled. Some didn’t really understand why they needed the training and the others just can’t afford to be away from work. We noticed that the candidates from STI, who were teachers were fast in finishing their tests. They said it was almost the same as making a lesson plan for their students in school. Since most of us were in the creative field, we each had a different interpretation of the system. What we did is all the creative trainees grouped ourselves into 3 or 4, and we worked together and helped the slow learners. Our method was also within the TESDA method of training. The facilitators told us that our group was better at working together compared to the first batch. The result was 22 out of 40 trainees completed the training, this was the highest among all the batches that finished the training.

      We felt we were back in high school during the training. The facilitators were really patient with us and they helped us complete each task. Since they were from the industry – 2D and 3D animators and programmers; they understood what we were going through. The facilitators were the ones who pushed and encouraged us to finish the training.

TESDA Facilitators Guiding Me

     After successfully completing the TM plus training, all of us still needed to complete our portfolio. If and when we finish and when we feel we are ready, then TESDA would schedule our assessment. Other artists from Top Peg eventually joined the training, but in different batches. Eventually, we had 10 artists that completed the training.

      After a few months, TESDA had a schedule for TM plus assessment, and they asked if we were ready to take the assessment. After some encouragements from Grace, we were rushed to complete our portfolio, and we agreed on taking the assessment.

      The assessment was conducted at UMAK, there were 11 of us that needed to be assessed – 8 from Top Peg and 3 animators from other studios as well. Luis, Jose and 2 other Top Peg artists who completed the training begged off since they still had a few more pages lacking in their portfolio. There were 3 representatives from TESDA, and we felt we were like in a thesis presentation in front of a jury panel. We were all first oriented on what to expect, this is where I began to notice the procedure of assessment of gauging what we learned. After the orientation, we were given a written exam, which was mostly essay type. Then we each did a demonstration of how we facilitated training, and then we were each interviewed on different topics. The assessment took the whole day, from 9 am to 7 pm. I noticed that we covered all the topics from our training except for Conducting. This made me think that our assessment was not yet over. 

Facilitating a Demo

      After evaluating all our tests, they first talked to the 2 animators that weren’t from Top Peg; they were informed that they didn’t pass the assessment. While all the remaining 9 candidates passed. We later learned, that the 2 who didn’t make it were not ready and did not finish their exams. We also learned that the assessment was just for Deliver Training. We still needed to take the assessment for Conducting Assessment. We asked why the assessment wasn’t complete, they said most of the trainees in UMAK were call center trainees, and they didn’t have to conduct assessment; conducting tests weren’t really needed. So I assumed that the training at UMAK was specifically catered to call center professionals and we were just an addition to the training.

      On June 4, 2014, I took the assessment for Illustration which I passed. The procedure was basically the same for 2D Animation NC III and Visual Graphics NC III.

      It was another few months before the assessment for conducting was scheduled. We were a bit confident in taking this assessment because it only had one topic. Compared to Deliver Training Sessions, which had five topics. We were then assessed at UMAK, with 3 representatives from TESDA. This time we were all Top Peg artists being assessed. During the orientation, we were briefed that there were new rules in getting your certificate. Aside from the Php500 registration fee for assessment, the candidates would need to pay an additional Php150 for DHL and the certificate. You can’t pick up your certificate from TESDA anymore, they will deliver it via DHL. The candidate should personally receive the certificate from DHL, if he is not present, DHL won’t release the certificate to anyone, except if you issued a Notarized Authorization Letter for someone who will receive it for you.

     I and the other artists from Top Peg volunteered to be the first ones to be assessed. We were thinking that we would just re-enact the procedure for conducting an assessment. This was what we were taught during our training. We had props, blank papers, the different forms and sheets that we needed and our portfolio as a sample module. We were then told that they don’t allow blank papers as props, they wanted replicas of our official forms to see if we knew how to fill up specific information and sign in the proper place. After that, we had a 1-hour lunch break. During the break we informed the rest of the artists to photocopy the forms of our portfolio, or try to to do a replica of the forms; if we didn’t pass at least the others can.  After a whole day of assessment, we were informed that only 3 of us passed. We were told we lacked some props needed and that our demo looked and sounded like it was scripted. I asked the artists who passed what they did differently, they said they demonstrated in Tagalog instead of English. So speaking in English sounded scripted to them, at least now we know.

      After a few months again, I was told that I needed to assess some candidates for visual graphic design. Even though I didn’t pass the assessment, I was endorsed by TESDA to conduct the assessment, because there were very few assessors on specific skills. An example would be animation since there were really no industry based assessors for animation before us, Grace was always endorsed to assess. Grace and other people in the industry created the Training Regulations for animation, but she and the rest of the group who created it didn’t have a National Certificate nor a Training Methodology Certificate.

    We were then scheduled to retake the assessment for conducting sometime in October 2014, but this assessment would be conducted at Top Peg Studio as it was an assessment and training center accredited by TESDA. So the 5 of us who didn’t pass the last time plus Luis, a 3D animator, comic book illustrator – 70-year-old Danny Acuña, and 6 people from Lyceum with baking, food preparation, and electrical skills were present. We were oriented again, but this time we knew what we had to do. I was observing what they were doing while orienting us because basically, we would be re-enacting what they were doing. The people from Lyceum wanted to back out, because Top Peg was catered for animation and arts, and we didn’t have any equipment that they needed to use. But they were encouraged by the TESDA representatives to find a way to still do their demos. After a whole day of assessment, I really felt for Danny Acuña, I can sense he was really stressed and tired and he too wanted to give up. Some of the candidates were assessed for both Delivering Training and Conducting Assessment; I saw how hard it was if we took both assessments in a single day. We finished around 9 pm. We were happy to learn that we were all certified competent by TESDA. We were told that we would receive our certificate after 2 months. I was also happy for Danny Acuña, for being the first veteran comic artist to have a national trainers training certificate or NTTC.

Passing the TM Plus Assessment Test

       My Trainor’s Methodology Certificate (TMC) was issued last September 9, 2014, but it was only on April 17,2015 that I was able to get it from TESDA. The certificate is given to individuals who have passed the assessment for attending the Trainer’s Methodology Training (TM 1). The TM Assessment is composed of two exams, one is for training and the other is for conducting the assessment. At the University of Makati (UMAK), where I first took the assessment, to our surprise was only composed of the training exam. So our assessment was incomplete and we had to wait for the next assessment. We were able to take the conducting assessment again at the Top Peg Animation Studio under the Lyceum Assessment Centre. So to get the TMC, they needed to combine both our Assessments from UMAK and Lyceum. Months have passed and we still have to receive our TMC, this was when we learned that the Regional Office hasn’t released our TMCs because there was an issue with UMAK. Apparently, UMAK’s papers weren’t complete, which meant that it wasn’t an official assessment center yet. So all the candidates who took their assessment at UMAK had their TMCs put on hold.

       The next step is to combine our TMCs with our National Certificates so we can receive our National Trainor’s Training Certificate (NTTC); get our official ID’s and become full fledge trainers and assessors. TESDA said we can receive it within two weeks of receiving our TMCs. Before we can apply for our NTTCs, we need to renew our expired or expiring National Certificates (NCs), because the expiration date of the NTTC will follow the NCs date. So we had to renew all our NCs, paying P100 per NC to be renewed. I renewed by NC for Visual Graphics and 2D Animation, while Luis renewed his NC for 3D animation; after 2 weeks we received our NTTCs.

Trainer’s Methodology Certificate

Renewed National Certificates

NTTC 2D Animation NCIII

NTTC Visual Graphics NCIII

NTTC 3D Animation NCIII

     After getting the NTTC certificates, I still need to get some experience in assessing candidates who would like to get the NCs for their chosen field/s which are under my NTTC specialization. I need to get the assessors loading – being an apprentice as an assessor to assist or qualify at least 2 candidates per qualification to get their NCs for Visual Graphics, 2D Animation or Illustration – my NTTC specializations. After the loading, I will receive a loading certification from the assessment center duly signed by the accredited assessor, manager of the assessment center and a TESDA representative. This coming May 20 to 21, 2015, there will be an assessment for NCs at Top Peg Animation Studios Inc. – a duly accredited assessment center by TESDA. On May 20 it is an assessment for Illustration NC II and for May 21 it is an assessment for 2D Animation NC III; the assessments will last from 8 am to 5pm. Whether the candidates pass or fail, I will still be able to get my Loading Certification just as long as I have assisted 2 candidates per qualification. After getting the loading certification, I still need to give a letter of intent and submit other requirements to TESDA to get my IDs for the specialization I have assisted on. 

      There were 10 candidates for the assessment of Illustration NC II. The candidates were all teachers from the United Christian Academy (UCA) in Parañaque. The teachers were teaching English or MAPE (music, arts, and physical education); they needed to take the assessment in preparation for the K to 12 system in 2016 for high school students. Four of the teachers passed and the rest were not yet competent (NYC). Those with NYC marks can still take a reassessment if they think they are ready to take it again. UCA has other TESDA courses being offered to their students which are mostly related to information technology, such as computer technician, software development, visual graphics and web design. 

       I handled only 2 of the teachers under the maximum loading system of TESDA as an apprentice assessor. The rest were assessed by Luis Dimaranan – the main assessor. The two teachers I assessed were both NYC, as I reasoned out they lacked the techniques to draw, so they can’t possibly teach the high school students. I think those who passed just relied on their natural talent and inclination for drawing. The others found the test difficult and did not continue with the test.  The candidates were given scenarios and they are to execute the scenarios as best as they can to meet the industry standards. Sometimes the assessments reach late into the night and to make the assessment shorter; if the drawings are bad, we will not interview the candidates anymore. We started at 8 am and finished around 4 pm.

      For the Animation NCIII, there were 11 candidates. One of the candidates was just there just to get the special order number (SON) given to candidates as proof they took the assessment from a TESDA accredited institution. The said SON is a requirement for that student to get his diploma from his school, if there is no SON, even if he graduates he cannot receive his diploma. He needed the SON to go abroad. He did not even bother to take the test as he saw it was difficult and he just paid the P500 fee for the assessment. From the 11 candidates, 8 were from Informatics Alabang Branch, where the students need to take the assessment as a school requirement. I assessed 2 from Informatics but both failed, as animation is just one of their subjects in their IT multi-media course. Of the 8 in Informatics, only 1 passed and 2 got Certificate of Competency (COC) for some subjects and the rest failed. Of the remaining 2 other candidates other than from Informatics, 1 passed from Naga and the other failed. 

TESDA Representative Ms.Antonia C. Ebio (standing green shirt) for Animation NCIII

Alstaire Giving Feedback to Candidate

Melvin Interviewing a Candidate

John Lising Loading Animation NCIII

       On the same day, there were 10 additional candidates for the Illustration tests. The candidates were from the Philippine Art Teachers Association. 8 of them came from St. Mary’s School in Meycuayan, Bulacan, the other 2 were from DepEd Manila and General Vicente Lim Elementary School. They took the test in preparation for the K to 12 system next 2016. Seven (7) of the teachers passed. Luis Dimaranan was the assessor and veteran comic artist Danny Acuña was getting his assessors loading.

       So after finishing my assessor loading, I submitted the following to get my ID to TESDA: 1) Letter of Intent, 2) Duly accomplished form (TESDA-SOP-CACO-06-F12), 3) Resumé, 4) Certificate of Employment (Original Copy), 5) National TVET Trainer’s Certificate (NTTC) – Photocopy, 6) National Certificate – Photocopy, 7) Loading Certificate – Original Copy. The IDs and certificate for the Assessors were released last June 19, 2015.

Loading Certification for Illustration NCII

Loading Certification for 2D Animation NCIII

IDs for Illustration NC II and 2D Animation NC III

Assessor’s Certificates

    After the assessment loading, I had my first real assessment as an assessor in Naga City last July 11 – 12, 2015. The  Philippine Computer Foundation College (PCFC) in Naga will be having their first assessment and they had no assessors near their area, so PCFC has to get 3 assessors (myself, Sarah Amo, Melvin Deondo) from Top Peg Animation Studios Inc. to have their students and other industry professionals assessed. The PCFC paid for our travel fare, hotel lodging, food and fees for the assessment.

     We left the Alps bus station in Alabang, Metro Manila around 5:30 pm on Friday and arrived at 3:00 am Saturday – July 11, 2015, at the Naga City Bus Terminal. From there, we proceeded to the CBD Plaza Hotel and we had our breakfast around 6:30 am. The hotel is about a 10-minute ride to PCFC via trimobile (tricycle). The assessment on Saturday lasted from 8 am to 7 pm; there was a TESDA representative present that day to observe the assessment. On Sunday the assessment lasted from 8 am to 9 pm. If we did not extend the time for the assessment many students will not be able to finish the tests, so many will fail. There were more students and graduates than industry professionals who took the assessment test.

Sarah Amo 

Melvin Deondo

     The assessment tests given were Animation NC II, where 23 applied, 4 were given the National Certificates (NCs) (3 students, 1 professional) the rest were given Certificate of Competency (COCs) for the core competencies they passed. The other test was Animation NC III of the 18 who took it 10 (half were students and the other half industry professionals) were given the NCs and the rest COCs. The last test given was Visual Graphics NC III, of the 12 who took it 3 students got their NCs and the rest got their COCs. PCFC wanted to have the Illustration NC II to be held also but TESDA denied it as PCFC has no registration or Certificate of Program Registration (COPR) for the said course. 

     The next day, July 13, 2015, on Monday, the PCFC gave us a tour of Naga City and we paid for the activities. We visited Mt. Isarog hot springs, Hacienda where we went horseback riding, rode ATVs, ziplined, etc.. Since it was PCFCs first assessment, they prepared the documents for us to sign at night. Around 7:30 pm, the PCFC told us the Registry of  Workers Assessed and Certified (RWAC) – a TESDA document will only be ready for signing the next day. Come next day on July 14th at around 8 am we signed the documents who got the NCs and COCs.

Lunch with PCFC Officials

     After the signing, we were invited by a long time colleague – Mr. Joel Orcena to Daet, about 1.5 hours away from Naga. Joel worked for the first episode of Jobert and the Crop Circle Warriors® but left Top Peg Animation Studios Inc. due to some family business matters to take care of after his dad passed away. Joel now works as an instructor for Visual Graphics and Animation at Teknikas Benning Corporation – a school his friend owns in Daet. We arrived at Daet around lunch time and Joel treated us for lunch and the beach area. We left Daet for Manila round 7:30pm. 

Lunch at Daet

Melvin at the Art Wall of Teknikas Benning Corporation

Melvin’s Drawing – “Jessalaine” at the Art Wall of Teknikas

Joel Orcena at Bagasbas Beach, Daet

Portfolios at Top Peg

Illustration – Alstaire Sarthou

Visual Graphics – Alstaire Sarthou

3D Animation – Rommel Gimpaya

2D Animation and Visual Graphics – Melvin Deondo

3D Animation – Edwin De Vera

3D Animation – Luis Dimaranan

2D Animation – Carly Calixtro

Top Peg Training and Assessment Center

      Training is offered at different accredited TESDA training centers. Each training specializes in specific skills. At Top Peg, we train more on the creative skills: Illustration NC II, 2D Animation NC II & NC III and Visual Graphics Design NC III. There is a training center near us that caters to cooking skills, they offer baking, pastry making, and cooking. To be an accredited TESDA training center, the trainers must have an NC or National Certificate of the specific skill he or she will teaching plus the NTTC 1 or National Trainer’s Teaching Certificate 1. 

       An accredited training and assessment center has to have a certificate for each of the training and assessment being given by the center. The certificates are called the Certificate of Program Registration (COPR). For example at Top Peg, the accreditation for the various creative skills taught and assessed (Illustration NC II, 2D Animation NC II & NC III, Visual Graphics Design NC III) they have 4 COPR certificates. The certificates given to the training centers are safety measures for the applicants or students, since Top Peg can’t be a training center where it has no passers for the NC or no expertise on say for plumbing, auto mechanic or other art related services such as fashion design, so it doesn’t have these certificates. Shown below are just samples for 1 skill for a training and as an assessment center at Top Peg.

COPR for 2D Animation NC III

2D Animation NC III Assessment Certificate

     At Top Peg, we now have a total of 8 Trainers/Assessors for the mentioned courses in the previous paragraph. We would also want to get NCs for 2D Game Art NC III and Technical Drawing NC III. When the assessments for these skills are scheduled by TESDA, we will apply for qualification.

      Shown below are 2 batches of 2D Animation NC III examinees last October 2014, taking their assessment at Top Peg Animation Studio. Some of the reasons why the examinees take the NC assessment are a) One candidate said their office requires employees to get an NC to officially identify a person’s level of qualification. He works in a government office as an artist. b) Overseas recruitment was also mentioned, a job in Australia required the applicant for a certificate or proof of that particular skill. c) Some students said they were required by their schools such as Informatics and STI to be assessed for them to acquire a certificate number. Once you are qualified your name will be on the TESDA website. d) Candidates from STI also said the NC was a requirement for them to join a national contest. e) Other candidates said the NC was an additional proof of their skill that they can use to apply for a job.

Successful TESDA Scholars Under Top Peg Training

    Here are some profiles of successful TESDA scholars under Top Peg Animation training who were willing to share some of their testimonies on October 7, 2015. They are proof that the TESDA scholarship with proper training can help people improve their lives and attain their goals.

    1) Carlito “Carly” D. Calixtro Jr. – 2009 PGMA (President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) TESDA scholarship graduate. He is 24 years old and lives in Las Piñas City. He was once our TESDA scholar who took up 2D Animation NC II and NC III and now he is one of our trainers who teaches animation. He is also a Top Peg Animation & Creative Studio, Inc. junior director and 2D Animation NCIII assessor.

     “It helped me build a firm foundation of my skills. Thus, with TESDA, I have been productive and hands-on with work. It will be so helpful for those who are willing to learn in a short span of time and be able to make a living out of it.” – Carly

     2) Joanne “Joja” N. Lagumbay – is 21 years old and lives in Las Piñas City. She was a 2014 I-TWSP (Training for Work Scholarship Program) TESDA Scholarship graduate in 2D Animation NCIII and is now working as an animator at Top Draw Animation, Inc. located at Tektite building at Ortigas Centre, Pasig City.

     “Sobrang swerte ko na nakapagtraining ako sa TESDA. Kasi ang laki ng advantage pag nagwork sa isang studio. Saka sobrang galing ng mga nagtuturo especially si Mam Grace at Sir Luis at Sir Carly. Andami ko natutunan at ayun, laki ng utang na loob ko sa kanilang lahat.” – Joja

     3) Noriel L. Villacorte – 27 years old who lives in Las Piñas City was a 2012 I-TWSP TESDA Scholarship graduate in 2D Animation NCIII. He is now an animator at Snipple Animation Inc. located at 37 Stella Maris Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

     “Malaking tulong sa akin yung training ng Top Peg Animation & Creative Studio under TESDA scholarship. Nakatulong ito sa akin para makahanap ng maayos na trabaho at maabot ang mga pangarap ko. Malaking bagay ang TESDA Scholarship Program sa kabataan ngayon para sa mas maayos at maginhawang buhay.” – Noriel

     4)  Raymond Peter P. Laping – 26 years old from Noveleta, Cavite, was a graduate of Animation NC II and 2D Animation NC III in 2014 which finished early 2015. He is now an In-betweener at Snipple Animation Inc. in Pasig City.

     “Thankful po ako sa lahat sa Top Peg at TESDA program dahil malaking tulong po sa akin na napatuloy ko ang passion ko sa pagdo-drawing and learn for free. Thank you po ulit sa inyo.” – Raymond

5) Dennis H. Abigan – a graduate of 2011 TWSP Animation NCII TESDA scholarship. He is 29 years old and lives in Las Piñas City. He is now working at Toon City Animation Inc. at Pioneer Avenue, Mandaluyong City as a Digital Clean-Up and In-Betweener (CUIB).

     “Maraming salamat po sa TESDA at pati na rin sa TOP PEG Animation Studios Inc. Naging stepping stone ko po ito para makapasok sa industrya ng animation. Nakapalaking tulong nito lalo na sa paraan ng pag drawing ko. After makapasa sa assessment mas naging kumpiyansa ako sa sarili ko. ang akala ko nga hindi ko na magagawang makapasok ng animation dahil wala akong sapat na kaalaman kung paano maganimate pero ng makaptraining ako sa TESDA natupad and matagal ko nang pinapangarap na maging ganap na cartoonist. Maraming salamat sa programang ito at pati na rin sa mag mentor ko sa TOP PEG. Kahit saang studio pa ako mapunta lagi ko pong babaunin ang mga natutunan ko sa inyo. Mabuhay TOP PEG.” – Dennis