Through Gullas' initiative: 101 graduate from vocational courses

CEBU, Philippines - Thirty-six young and married adults with disabilities, part of a batch of 101 beneficiaries taking up four courses, have successfully finished their housekeeping vocational schooling under the livelihood program spearheaded by University of the Visayas Executive Vice President and The FREEMAN Chairman Dr. Jose R. Gullas and his wife, Nena Gullas.

In yesterday’s recognition day of the Livelihood Training Program at the University of the Visayas, the 101 graduates received their certificates from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which they can use to seek employment.

Coincidentally, the recognition day was also the 7th wedding anniversary of Dr. Gullas and his wife.

TESDA Assistant Regional Director Buenafe Sta. Rita, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said after the hardships and challenges the graduates have finally completed their journey in taking up vocational courses.

“I would like to acknowledge Sir Dodong and Madame Nena Gullas for this very generous act. This is indeed a great help especially to our fellow beneficiaries with disabilities. They are now ready to face another chapter of their lives as they build their own career and livelihood,” Sta. Rita said, adding that disability is a matter of perception.

Sta. Rita said that even if the graduates have disabilities, still they are capable of doing something and sometimes are even more productive than others.

Tesda is the government agency tasked to manage and supervise technical education and skills development in the Philippines created by virtue of Republic Act 7796, otherwise known as the “Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994.”

Jose Gullas congratulated the hopeful graduates and wished them the best in their next journey. He told the graduates that six of them will be employed for assignments at the Gullas Medical School, The FREEMAN Newspaper and the University of the Visayas.

Gullas added that by next year, the second batch will be open for culinary and housekeeping.

Separately, Nena said that they have been doing feeding program in Mandaue City for five years but it is now also time to give opportunity for the disabilities, which they started last Sept. 10.

 Mayor Michael Rama, who attended the recognition day, also promised that the graduates will be given opportunity to work at the Cebu City Hall.

Aside from the 36 deaf-mutes, 24 other trainees received their certificates for finishing their training in auto mechanic, 25 in massage and 16 for haircutting. — (FREEMAN)