CITE Technical Institute, Inc. (CITE) played a key role in preparing 69 learners who earned their Basic Qualification Certificate (BQC) as Seafood Plant Assistants, recognized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) during its 3rd General Membership Meeting (GMM) on Thursday, August 27.
The recognition highlights the value of industry-responsive technical education and workplace training in preparing learners for employment and career growth—an approach strongly embodied in CITE’s training programs.
Through the Dual Education and Training (DET) model, the learners received foundational technical instruction through CITE while completing 912 hours of In-Company Training with participating industry partners. This combination of classroom learning and actual workplace exposure allowed the learners to apply technical knowledge in real production environments and develop practical competencies, workplace discipline, safety awareness, problem-solving skills, and professional attitudes.
The program was implemented through the partnership of CCCI and the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, with CITE serving as the education and training partner. The initiative was initially developed under the FISH Visayas Project Phase 2. Although the project concluded in June 2025, CCCI sustained the initiative through its Assessment, Certification and Accreditation Services (ACAS), allowing the Seafood Plant Assistant qualification to continue providing industry-based competency assessment and certification.
The workplace component was made possible through the participation of eight industry partners:
• Siargao’s Bounty Seafood Imports & Exports
• Central Seafoods Inc.
• Foodphil Corporation
• Profood International Corporation
• ASO Philippines Inc.
• Treasure Island Packaging Corp. (IPAK PH)
• Matluster Corporation
• Monde Nissin Corp.
Through their participation, the companies provided learners with firsthand experience in actual production settings and helped ensure that the training remained aligned with the skills, standards, and expectations of the seafood processing and related manufacturing sectors.
From Training to Certification and Career Pathways
For CITE, the BQC recognition represents more than the completion of a training requirement. It forms part of a continuing pathway from technical training to workplace experience, competency certification, and further education.
Following the CCCI–AFOS Foundation DET component, the learners continued their development through CITE’s one-year Production Technology Program, which includes a 10-month In-Company Training component designed to deepen their technical competencies and workplace experience.
For those who wish to pursue further technical education, the pathway may also lead to CITE’s Diploma Program in Engineering Technology, providing opportunities for further specialization and professional development.
This progression reflects CITE’s commitment to helping learners move beyond training completion toward recognized competencies, meaningful workplace experience, employment opportunities, and long-term career development.
Building Industry-Ready Workers Through Partnership
The achievement of the 69 Seafood Plant Assistants demonstrates what can be accomplished when industry, education and training institutions, and development partners work together.
Through its industry-linked training approach, CITE continues to provide learners with opportunities to learn not only inside the classroom but also in actual workplaces—where technical knowledge is transformed into practical skills, work habits, and professional competence.
CITE congratulates the 69 learners for successfully completing their training and assessment requirements and earning their BQC as Seafood Plant Assistants.
CITE likewise expresses its appreciation to CCCI, the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, and the eight industry partners for their continued partnership in creating meaningful opportunities for skills development and workforce preparation.
From learning to working, from skills to certification, CITE continues to help build pathways toward productive and meaningful careers.