Congressman Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco of the Lone District of Marinduque, authored House Bill No. 6071, entitled “An Act Providing for the Establishment of TESDA Provincial Training Center, Marinduque and Appropriating Funds Therefore” and House Bill No. 6038, entitled “An Act Declaring May 3 of Every Year a Special Nonworking Holiday in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Marinduque, In Commemoration of its Founding Anniversary, to be known as Sta. Cruz Day.”
Velasco recognizes the important contribution of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in preparing Marinduqueños for employment opportunities, locally and abroad. Popular TESDA courses offered in Marinduque includes household service, massage tutorials, electrical installation and maintenance training, and baking tutorials.
Also with the support of MATA Partylist Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera, H.B. No. 6071 was passed by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education last December 11, 2017.
 |
| Congressman Lord Allan Velasco |
On the other hand, House Bill No. 6038, which sought to institutionalize the celebration of the people of Sta. Cruz of their beloved municipality’s Foundation Day every 3rd of May, was approved on 3rd reading last December 4, 2017.
With its successful passage in the House of Representatives, it is hoped that the “Sta. Cruz Day” bill will be passed by the Senate and be signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte by 2018.
 |
| The three-centuries old Church of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, built in 1760. Photo: ederic |