Just last week, 760 individuals graduated from center and area-based courses which made skilled workers out of men and women who can finally hold their heads up high and be someone.
Mayor Jun Bernabe, in a speech before graduates of the Parañaque Livelihood and Resource Management Office (PLRMO), said the city government is proud to have developed better citizens who can now become more productive members of their community and their country.
"We’ll expect that as in the case of the previous graduates of various free skills and training and livelihood programs that your city government has been providing, you will use what you have learned and trained for the benefit of your families and will become models of productive citizens in your respective communities," he said during commencement rites held at the San Dionisio Gym in Barangay San Dionisio last Nov. 28.
Bernabe took pride in congratulating men and women who finished area-based courses on basic and advanced reflexology, hotel and restaurant services, cosmetology, food trades, Christmas décor making, candle making, meat processing and fish processing.
He also lauded those who completed center-based courses on basic dress making, building wiring installation, industrial electricity, and high-seed sawing machine operation.
The latest batch of PLRMO graduates joined the ranks of more than 500 others who, after graduating last June, are now putting their new-found skills to good use by getting employed or starting small businesses.
PLRMO skills training and livelihood programs are implemented by the city government based on an accreditation issued by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Different training programs require one to 10 days of schooling for area-based courses while center-based courses take two-and-a-half months to complete.
Graduates received certificates while gold and silver medals were awarded to the two topnotchers in each course in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Bernabe encouraged them to share their skills with others in order to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life not only that of their families but of others in their communities as well.
Among those who witnessed the graduation ceremony were sponsors and PLRMO supporters like Connie Zialcita, who represented Congressman Eduardo Zialcita; Councilors Rico Golez and Roberto Bonsol; and officials of various barangays.
Bernabe assured that the city government will continue to help its residents learn skills that will bring them hope and make their lives better if they put what they learn to good use.