Mason scholars complete training

CEBU, Philippines -  Nineteen scholars of the CEMEX Philippines Foundation’s masonry skills training program dubbed Experto Ako! recently received their Certificates of Competency from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Foundation.

With the commencement exercises held at the Apo Cement Corporation in Naga, Cebu, the masons were officially inducted as alumni of the program— joining the first batch of Experto Ako! graduates from the first leg of the vocational project which originally started in Luzon.

Experto Ako! masonry skills training program is under the Build Skills and Livelihood Cluster of the Foundation’s Build the Nation Together umbrella CSR program. It is a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to professional building. Apart from its lessons and modules on cement application and equipment, there are also workshops on leadership, communication skills, and even client relations.

During the graduation ceremony, TESDA Provincial Training Administrator Neil Cantiveros reminded the scholars to apply not just the technical skills but also to embody the attitude and values learned from the intensive 30-day course.

“I am really grateful that I was part of the first group that underwent the training here in Cebu. Experto Ako! was a great experience and a big opportunity for all of us,” said Marvin Cañete in dialect, top 1 of the class.

In fact, during the third week of the course, a land development and construction company already expressed its intention to hire all the Cebu Experto Ako! scholars once the training is done.

“The country is in need of masons who are well equipped to build better homes and buildings. The completion of your course only means that you have passed all the requirements and tests to prove your professional skills. We trust that you will value this partnership we have with you here in the City of Naga and we hope that you will use this to contribute to the welfare of your communities,” said Chito Maniago as he congratulated the Experto Ako! second batch of graduates.

The event was participated by Apo Cement Corporation led by Plant Director Gery Rota, Apo Community Relations team, Foundation members, local government unit represented by Engineer Arthur Villamor from the Office of the Building Official of the City of Naga, TESDA officers, and mason scholars and their families. (FREEMAN)