1,297 beneficiaries graduate today

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,297 beneficiaries from Central Visayas are expected to join the biggest graduation today of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program Employment Facilitation.

The activity carries the theme: Changing and Empowering the Vulnerable Individuals Toward a Better Future.

SLP engages in resource-based and market-driven community micro-enterprises or explore employment opportunities.

It facilitates assistance to beneficiaries by organizing them into groups and provides aid in planning and monitoring their livelihood projects to ensure that they are self-sustaining.

For employment facilitation, SLP partners with the public and private sectors as service providers and subject-matter experts on financial literacy, resource mapping, market scanning, and technical and vocational skills training, financial literacy and credit assistance, and employment opportunities, among others.

Among the courses offered by SLP through EF include Housekeeping Services NC II, Pharma Services NC II, Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Contact Center Services NC II, Security Services NC I, Food & Beverage Services NC II, Automotive Servicing NC II, Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services NC II and Beauty Care NC II.

 “With the help of our partner service providers, we are staging this year’s biggest SLP graduation to recognize our beneficiaries who have done their part in the hope of having a better life,” said Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, DSWD-7 director in a statement.

This year’s partners include Cebu Technological Sciences-Cebu, Rose Institute of Cosmetology and Pharmacy, Call Center Academy, Center for Healthcare Professionals Cebu, Inc., Café-Gonzales Security Training Academy Inc., Centurion Security Training Institute Inc., Lancer Security Training Center for Guards Inc., and E&J Security Training Institute Inc.

Department of Labor and Employment-7 director Exequiel Sarcauga will serve as the keynote speaker while Governor Hilario Davide III will also deliver an inspirational message.

After the commencement exercises this morning, job matching and employment facilitation will be done in the afternoon.

SLP has already served more than 17,000 individuals and has disbursed some P54.6 million as of November this year.

The program facilitated various livelihood activities such as hog raising, water refilling stations, organic lechon vending, poultry, handicrafts, bag and slipper production, among other micro-economic development scheme.

Meanwhile, DSWD-7 will have a Panaghiusa Festival from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Ayala Activity Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City.

Panaghiusa Festival showcases convergence in all DSWD programs and services created to increase public awareness and highlight DSWD-7’s accomplishments and gains.

It will showcase the information booths of various programs and services and products from SLP.

Macapobre will deliver her State of the Region Address (SORA) during the program. (FREEMAN)