The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) facilitated the graduation of 1,129 beneficiaries under the Japan Social Development Fund – Improving Livelihood Opportunities for Vulnerable Urban Communities (JSDF-LVUC), who finished a 60-days skills training course from nine (9) training schools in Malabon City.

Among the vocational/technical courses availed by the beneficiaries were: Shield Metal Arc Welding, Automotive Repair Servicing, Electrical and Installation Maintenance, Computer Hardware and Servicing, Dressmaking, Beauty Care, Consumer Electronics and Housekeeping.

DSWD-NCR Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan, in her inspirational message shared that this skills training program with an estimated fund of P21 million aimed to access the beneficiaries for better employment opportunities which could help in improving their current living conditions.

 

According to Director Bonoan, this effort will also serve as a model on how to implement the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS – NCDDP) in urban areas.

Meanwhile, among the graduates is Marivic Pumarada, 46 years old, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary with eight (8) children and a newly skilled worker in dressmaking.

With her husband Jaime, 46, a helper mechanic, Marivic admitted that previously, they are having a hard time in raising their children aged 24, 21, 18, 17, 14, 12, 10 and 4. However, when they became a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya program in 2012, they gradually felt positive changes in their lives.

 

“Parent Leader po ako noong 2012 hanggang 2013, doon ko napatunayang may leadership skills pala ako kaya pinili kong maging community volunteer dito sa JSDF program ng DSWD. Noong napasama kami sa Pantawid Pamilya, gumaan bigla ang buhay namin dahil suportado na ang edukasyon at kalusugan ng mga anak ko. ‘Di kalakihan ang nakukuha namin sa programa pero dahil katumbas ‘yun ng pagsunod namin sa mga kondisyon, malaking pagbabago ang dinadala nun’ sa aking pamilya,” Marivic narrated.

 

Since she now acquired the skill of being a dressmaker, Marivic intends to engage in sewing school uniforms while attending to her children at home, so she will have additional income for their family.

 

The Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) is a trust fund managed by the World Bank for the Government of Japan. It provides grants to support immediate employment through cash-for-work scheme and provide start-up costs for community enterprises. Communities targeted will be those found to be most affected by the global economic crisis. (source: http://ncddp.dswd.gov.ph/site/get_project/24) ### (DSWD FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office November 26, 2014)