Bolinao, Pangasinan – “This marks the start of our chance of being more productive youth and citizens, now that we are competent in our skills for better employment”, said Ruel Burbano, 20, a graduate of Computer Hardware Servicing when he delivered his graduation message during the commencement exercises of 125 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries aged 16 to 60 who successfully finished courses under Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and are now National Certificate (NC) II holders.

This is a joint effort between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 and TESDA Region 1 in providing skills training to program beneficiaries for self-employment and for establishing their own business.

These 125 graduates are broken down as follows with the training institutions: 25 Computer Hardware Servicing (Wellcare Institute of Science and Technology); 50 Beauty Care (OBC Learning and Assessment Center); 25 Hilot Wellness; and 25 Body Massage (Extendicare Institute). All the graduates were awarded with Certificate of Training/Competency, Starter Kit, and training allowance (P240.00 per day).

The graduates who will successfully pass a 40-day training in Laguna will be assured of employment. They can also start their own business while applying their skills through their starter kit. Since they are NC II holders, they can apply for a job here in the country and abroad.

In her inspirational message, the DSWD OIC Assistant Regional Director for Administration Nora D. Dela Paz told the graduates to give importance to this free government service for their own benefit and for them to have an improved way of living through employment.  (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)