The “Juana Creatives” program of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be replicated in the regions this year, an executive said on Monday.

“Juana Creatives,” which targets hobbyists and those who are looking for something to do during weekends or after work, has been available in TESDA’s central office and was officially launched today.

Unlike regular TESDA courses that offer scholarships, this program has a registration fee since TESDA will be partnering with enterprises that are willing to share their training programs.

Floramel Joy Songsong, TESDA Public Information Office Director, has yet to provide the price range of fees.

“Juana Creatives provides a venue where creativity leads to business. It is where a side quest or a hobby can be developed into a skill,” she told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Songsong said among the courses currently available under Juana Creatives are pottery, scent making, pattern making, digital embroidery, leathercraft, animation, digital painting / comics illustration, digital photography / video making and editing and film and video production.

Partner businesses for these courses include Fragrance Factory by Chemworld, Studio Roman, Everything Green, Film Academy of the Philippines, among others.

Songsong said other enterprises are welcome to partner with TESDA.

“Either TESDA will invite, or industry may express intent to partner and be a Juana Creatives resident,” she said.

“Juana Creatives is a place where culture, creativity and enterprise come together,” Songsong added.

Earlier, TESDA Undersecretary Nelly Dillera said the initial courses available are using the agency’s available equipment.

Dillera also described Juana Creatives as a workshop hub, providing an opportunity to enhance creativity and learn how to utilize equipment. (PNA)