A total of 170 beneficiaries of Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V Sustainable Livelihood Program received their diploma in a graduation exercise held recently at 2nd Floor, AMSLAI Bldg. Legazpi City with the theme: “Strengthening People to End Poverty and Promote Progress.”
These beneficiaries have completed the livelihood training program for Beauty Care Services (Nail) NC II and Hilot Wellness (Massage) NC II of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with Evegate Technical and Development Training Academy Inc. (ETDAI) and local government unit.
Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia recognizes the graduates and gives gratitude to the partners of program. He also gives emphasis that what they (beneficiaries) have achieved is one step ahead to improve their living.
The identified beneficiaries the program are also Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who underwent capacity building trainings to enhance their skills, knowledge and capabilities for employment in the future or for microenterprise development for sustainable living.
Under the program, the DSWD together with the partner agencies will help to provide job opportunities where they will be referred to different partner industries and available markets in Bicol region.
Other graduates are also encouraged to venture into self – employment where they can start a small enterprise, or use the starter kits provided to them as part of their completion. With proper monitoring and assistance, they (graduates) may also be grouped into an association or have their own spa, rehabilitation clinics or business in the future.
Marylyn C. Bien of Tabaco City, graduate of Beauty Care Services (Nail) NC II, expressed her thanks to all the partners who give them opportunity to enhance their talent. “Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam na habang napapagod ay may magandang resulta. Dahil sa training, nailabas namin ang aming talent na pwede madala kahit saan kami pumunta at habang buhay itong aming kayaman [It feels good that your hardships gain positive results. Due to the training, we were able to improve our talent which we can use anywhere we go and it is our life time treasure],” she said.
Also, Mr. Yco M. Tan, ETDAI president, congratulates the graduates. “Wala sa edad ang pagyaman kundi nasa sipag, tiyaga at pagsisikap at ang tiwala sa sarili [It is not on age that will make you rich/grow rather it is on hard work, diligence, perseverance, and trust to oneself],” he added.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a community-based capacity building program of the government that seeks to improve the socio-economic capacity of the poor to enhance access to basic social services and improve their standard of living. With reports from Nelson Osial, Pantawid Pamilya, ***G.A.N.Lindio, IO