The landscape of the digital economy in Negros Oriental just got a significant boost.
This month, WrkPod, in a landmark collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), officially celebrated the graduation of 390 scholars from the Global Virtual Assistant (GVA) training program.
The ceremonies, hosted at premier institutions including Silliman University (SU), Foundation University (FU), People Skills Management Institute (PSMI), Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI), and Fritz-Gibbon Academy of Skills and Trades Inc. (FAST) marks a pivotal moment for the province. WrkPod currently stands as the only institution in Negros Oriental certified under TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework – a modern strategy that places industry expertise at the heart of vocational education.
The “Training to Trabaho” Model
Funded under the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program (TTSP), this initiative isn’t just about getting a certificate; it’s about getting a career.
Scholars underwent a rigorous 144-hour curriculum designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. While academic partners provided the fundamental classroom instruction, WrkPod integrated its proprietary, hands-on coaching and immersion methodology.
This “trade secret” approach ensures that every graduate is “work-ready from Day 1,” meeting global standards in communication, organization, and professional customer service.
“We’re on a mission to create 10,000 jobs, and one of the biggest challenges is talent,” says Kody Thompson, WrkPod’s CEO and Founder. “This program is the first step in connecting industry with education. We want to be part of the solution in Dumaguete and beyond to help prepare candidates to get those jobs.”
Empowering the Local Workforce
Government leaders have underscored the life-changing potential of this collaboration. TESDA Provincial Director Fletcher B. Gumahad highlighted the sustainability of the initiative, noting that the core philosophy of this Contact Services NCII training is to “teach a man to fish,” ensuring a lifetime of productivity.
DTI Provincial Director Juliet Banogon echoed this, asserting that the skills gained are essential tools for the future. She noted that the program aligns perfectly with the vision of creating 10,000 jobs for the Negros Island Region, positioning the province at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Luchie Stemper, who leads the training initiatives at WrkPod, explained the depth of the preparation: “It’s not just basically preparing, but preparing them to get a job. We go down to the resume, the coaching, and preparing for the client interview. That is the WrkPod package.”
Real Stories, Real Transformation
The true success of the program is best seen through the eyes of its graduates:
- Anika G. Pono, an accounting graduate, found her niche as a Virtual Assistant through the program. “As an accounting graduate, I don’t need to abandon my degree. I discovered there is a massive demand for accountants and bookkeepers in the VA space. I am now in my second week of employment through WrkPod.”
- Jen Ross A. Cupat shared that the program provided the “essential mindset and professionalism” required to open doors to personal independence.
- Carl Jasper C. Janea highlighted how the practical “drills” and mock interviews helped him overcome public speaking anxiety while sharpening his technical skills.
Celebrating the February 2026 Cohort
We are incredibly proud to welcome the following graduates into the professional world:
- Silliman University (SU): 100 Graduates (Feb. 10)
- Foundation University (FU): 75 Graduates (Feb. 10)
- People Skills Management Institute (PSMI): 40 Graduates
- Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI): 100 Candidates for graduation
- Fritz-Gibbon Academy of Skills and Trades Inc. (FAST): 75 Candidates.
Through these strategic partnerships and a commitment to industry-led instruction, WrkPod continues to build the future of the Filipino workforce. We aren’t just training; we are transforming lives – one job at a time.
