Amidst the crowded venue and the humid atmosphere, the 819 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries were so attentive and actively participated in the grand launching and orientation of the livelihood skills training under the Sustainable Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The activity was held at the People’s Hall, City Hall Compound, Naga City last October 14, 2015. This is in coordination with the Naga City Government, Polytechnic Institute and the Metro Naga Public Employment Office. Present during the event were; City Mayor John Bongat, Kagawad Jun Lavadia, President, League of Barangay Captain and Mr. Ruel Oliver, PESO Manager.

In his message, DSWD Director Arnel Garcia urge the beneficiaries to be serious in the training field they have chosen as this will be their stepping stone in gaining either open or self-employment which will eventually help improve the family income. He also thanked the Naga city government headed by Mayor John Bongat for the support extended to the department’s effort to fight poverty through the implementation of the different anti-poverty programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Sustainable Livelihood, the Social Pension, etc.

Garcia also shared that the DSWD has transferred fund to the LGU of Naga the amount of P8.7M to fund various livelihood skills training program such as: organic piggery management cum meat processing, automotive servicing, welding, slaughtering services, household electronics, commercial cooking, dressmaking, candle making, hair dressing and nail care.

The DSWD through the Project Development Officers conducted the Participatory Livelihood Issue Analysis (PLIA), a process which will help identify the skills interest or the training needs of the participant.

Each training participant will receive a transportation and meal allowance in the amount of P275 for the days attendance .Starter kits will also be provided either at the start or end of the training. This will depend on the need or the kind of training undertaken. The beneficiaries who have completed the training will either be referred for employment or micro-enterprise.###eejerusalem