Davao de Oro: The Philippines' first TESDA-accredited Jewelry Training Center in Monkayo, Davao de Oro now offers National Certificate II (NC II) assessments for fine jewelry production, officials said Tuesday. In a statement, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-11 (Davao Region) said the PHP1.3 million facility - a partnership between DOST-11, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Monkayo local government unit - represents the country's first standardized certification program for jewelry craftsmanship.

According to Philippines News Agency, the center officially launched its NC II assessment on March 26, eight years after Typhoon Pablo destroyed the original training facility in 2012. "This positions Monkayo as a leader in jewelry certification," Davao de Oro Science Director Mayan Jane Inni was quoted in the statement as saying.

Inni noted that the program provides both livelihood opportunities and national recognition for local artisans. She said the upgraded center features customized curriculum and modern equipment to meet industry standards. DOST-11 said the initiative completes the center's transformation from post-typhoon recovery project to nationally accredited training hub.