4Ps beneficiaries in Mandaue complete free skills training

CEBU, Philippines, Philippines — To help Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiaries earn sustainable income, 41 individuals from Mandaue City recently completed a free skills training program organized by Knauf Philippines Inc., a leading construction materials manufacturer.

The two-day training, focused on Standard Drywall and Ceiling System Installation—including taping and jointing—was conducted at the Barangay Subangdaku Gym.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII, the initiative aims to boost the number of local workers skilled in drywall and ceiling system installation across Cebu.

With Cebu’s infrastructure and real estate sectors rapidly expanding, the demand for skilled construction labor continues to rise.

DSWD-7 highlighted that the training not only provides beneficiaries with hands-on technical skills but also helps contractors cut costs, as they typically bring in laborers from Luzon. By training locals, companies can now prioritize hiring within the region.

The collaboration between DSWD-7 and Knauf Philippines is part of a broader effort to enhance the employability of 4Ps beneficiaries, enabling them to better support their families’ essential needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and education.

Ryan Jade Salutillo, one of the 4Ps beneficiaries from Mandaue City, expressed his appreciation for the program. As a father, he said the training would improve his job prospects.

“Isip padre de pamilya, kining training kay makatabang kini puhon kung adunay mo-hire na namo nga mga contractor. Maninguha ta alang sa atong pamilya labi na nga libre kini nga training nga gihatag sa amoa,” Salutillo told DSWD VII on May 16, 2025.

Of the 41 participants, 26 were women and 15 were men—underscoring the increasing involvement of women in the construction industry.

Knauf Philippines plans to expand the training initiative to other areas, including Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, with continued focus on assisting 4Ps beneficiaries.

In addition to the training, the company will launch a K-Trabaho Fair to link program graduates with potential employers, further increasing their chances of securing jobs.