MOA inked for job readiness, skills training of poor

CEBU, Philippines - Those living along and below the poverty line will now have an opportunity to be equipped for skill-based jobs.

This as the Department of Social Welfare and Development  Field Office-7 has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Primary Structures Educational Foundation Inc.  and Paglaum Training International, Inc. (PTI) for the conduct of job readiness and skills training that will benefit beneficiaries of its core poverty reduction programs.

For the PSEFI partnership, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program shall benefit from the said undertaking.

This pilot project is in line with the agency’s mission to provide access to livelihood and job opportunities to the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

Beneficiaries should be 18-45 years old, can read and write, physically fit and at least high school graduate.

DSWD-7 is allocating P20,000 for each beneficiary as ceiling for the training fee.

If the training fee costs less than the allocated amount, the excess can be utilized as transportation or meal allowance.

Offered trainings include carpentry, masonry, reinforced steel bar installation, household services and housekeeping.

Meanwhile, PTI for its part will provide Job Readiness Training (JRT) to poor individuals.

JRT is a three-month training program wherein participants develop their career goals and learn the different soft-skills needed for entry-level positions in the workplace.

Other programs and services offered by PTI to JRT students and graduates are English and Math tutorial, Advanced Learning Initiative for Vocational training and Education, scholarships, spiritual formation, and job interview referrals to business partners.

DSWD-7 shall provide transportation stipend for JRT students as the training is offered by PTI for free. — (FREEMAN)