Some Marawi evacuees faint at crowded TESDA training event

After waiting in line since early morning, some people fainted during the overcrowded opening of the 15-day free skills and livelihood training for Marawi evacuees conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Iligan City.

According to a report by GMA's Steve Dailisan on Balitanghali, tensions rose after organizers announced they could not accommodate everyone since the training area—the Iligan City National High School's gymnasium—could only hold 2,000.

With evacuees crowding to get into the TESDA satellite office, the agency's staff decided to close and lock the gate to the premises.

Some were angry that they couldn't get into the training even though they had registered. Some also alleged favoritism.

TESDA Administration Officer Basnawi Bato said they will try to accommodate everyone since the agency has allotted 4,500 slots to Marawi evacuees in Iligan City. He added that many of those who were at the training had not registered beforehand. The office will also request additional funds to add more people to the training sessions.

The 15-day free skills and livelihood training will house seminars for basket-making, baking, hair and make-up, massage therapy, table set-up, computer literacy, advanced skills in carpentry and other activities.

Aside from the free training, every trainee receives a P100 daily allowance. — Rafeea Custodio/BM, GMA News