Ligao City hails first 57 women graduates of beauty care and hairdressing training

Fifty seven (57) women from different barangays of Ligao City graduated from the 1st Beauty Care and Hairdressing training program on 20 July 2015 at the JMR Productivity Center, Tuburan, Ligao City. The training program is a collaborative implementation of the City Government of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD.

(left-right) Evegate Academy President Yco Tan, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, DSWD Regional Project Director Gina B. Millete, DSWD Region 5 Assistant Director Corazon B. Mina, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua congratulates the graduates of the beauty care and hairdressing course.  Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

With trainers Jenilyn Florante and Beverly Perez of the Evegate Technical Development Academy, the women were trained to perform basic hair care services such as hair cutting, hair coloring, hair bleaching, hair perming, hair and scalp treatment, and applying make-up. They were also trained to perform beauty care services like manicure and pedicure, hand spa, foot spa, and nail art.

After completing the program, the women underwent a Competency Assessment administered by TESDA and received a Beauty Care National Certificate (NC) II and Hairdressing NC II for passing the assessment.

The graduates also received starter kits to help them continuously practice their skills in beauty care and hairdressing. Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the women graduates to utilize the starter kits to earn profits by doing home service within their community.

The Beauty Care and Hairdressing course, along with other training programs under BUB, gives opportunities to the marginalized communities to improve their living standards by helping them develop competency in different skills set. According to Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, the beauty of the BUB is that communities are involved in the development of capability building programs. Upon consultation from the community, the local government with the DSWD formulates a decision based on the need of the community. These programs also help unemployed citizens to find a living or earn profits in their local areas instead of leaving their families for employment abroad, added Congressman Gonzalez.

Further, Evegate Academy President Yco Tan said that numerous employment opportunities are now available to women unlike in the old times. Several companies are now hiring female job seekers to work on male-dominated occupations such as butchers, welders, and painters. This leaves a conclusion that women are now more capable and empowered to perform tasks that were originally maintained by men, to which President Tan added a funny remark, “magtira naman kayo [leave something for us].” He also urged the graduates to spread the stories and invite more citizens to join the training.
Written by Lala Peñafiel.

34 sewing machines and starter kits benefit newly trained dressmakers

The graduates of Dressmaking and Tailoring course with Regional Project Coordinator Gina Minete, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua during the ribbon cutting ceremony and distribution of sewing machines.

Thirty four (34) newly-trained dressmakers from different barangays of Ligao City were granted new sewing machines and starter kits after finishing a 28-day Dressmaking and Tailoring Course. The program was implemented by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) which constitutes the Local Government Unit of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning (BuBP) to eradicate poverty and empower women by developing their skills and giving them resources to start their own livelihood.

With the theme, "Pagpakusug sa Kapasidad kang mga Kababaihan, Simbag para ang Pagtios Mabawasan [Strengthening women's capacity to lessen poverty]," the graduates of the program received their Dressmaking National Certificate (NC) II for passing the Dressmaking and Tailoring Assessment, special awards for those who excelled in the course, together with the starter kit and sewing machine during the 1st Dressmakers’ Commencement Exercises on 29 May 2015 at Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City.

The graduates wore their sewn uniforms during the Dressmaker's 1st Commencement Exercises

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua further explained that the program aims to extend the services and benefits of the BuBP to the communities in the upland and coastal areas. Hence, the beneficiaries of the program came from different communities in Ligao City. She also encouraged the graduates to be the forerunners of successful dressmakers in the city.

The government programs such as the free courses offered by the TESDA bring opportunities to indigent families to improve their living condition thereby slowly eradicating poverty. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez said that the Dressmaking course gives women, especially the housewives, to enhance their skills and help their families find additional sources of income. He also acknowledged the dedication of Pres. Benigno Aquino III to improve the lives of every Filipino. His transparency proves that the funds were properly allocated for the implementation of several projects.

Written by Lala Peñafiel