DSWD’s capacity to facilitate employment through Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) was again realized after partnering with the Region 1 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Vigor International Security Training Academy.

Just after the Recognition Rites of the Security Guards’ completion of their 9-day training, a screening was done by the Eagle Matrix Security Agency Inc. and hired 93 of the 104 graduates for deployment to different private institutions such as SM Group of Companies, Philex Mining Corp., Lepanto Mining Corp., among others. Eleven are already reporting to SM Mall of Asia for their on-the-job training.

DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo mentioned that since this is a Set 1 area of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program implementation, the beneficiaries have undergone intensified case management to help them attain sufficiency. Responses to some identified needs were sourced out from partners that provide technical expertise and resources.

Further, Director Castillo advised the graduates to maintain agility, decency, and good performance upon employment. With the given opportunity, they were also reminded to strengthen family values and to sustain quality services related to their jobs.

Solo parent grantee Marissa Salimo expressed her overwhelming gratitude to DSWD because of the given opportunity to enhance skills and eventual access to employment. “Isang kasaysayan sa Bolinao ang programang nag-angat ng antas at uri ng aming pamumuhay. Patuloy kaming mangangarap at huwag sayangin ang pagtitiwalang ibinigay ng pamahalaan. (The training is remarkable in the town’s success in improving the lives of its people. We continue our aspirations and not to forsake the trust given by the government.)”

Third-grader-grantee Regina Calma, mother of 8 whose son Jason is also among the graduates, was impressed with the program scheme that led to a new job opportunity. “Napakalaking bagay ang tulong na ito kasi makakapagtrabaho na ang anak ko. (This is a great help, my son can already work.)” (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)