By: Nelson Osial Jr. (Region V)

“As a recipient of the project we/I must do our best in order to thank them by doing our job well. Let us not disappoint them for it is a sign of ungratefulness. This is the start of our new path."

Daet, Camarines Norte - About 38 SLP program participants graduated in skills training on food and beverage services National Certification (NC) II through Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at Daet, Camarines Norte, last February 27, 2018.

The training was a project of SLP under Employment Facilitation (EF) Track in partnership with Global IT. A total of Php 754, 460.00 was allocated for the said skills training that will cover all the expenses of the program participants. EF is one of the tracks of SLP that prepares its participants to be qualified and ready to enter employment. The program facilitates different interventions to the participants for them to acquire/improve their employable skills, gain knowledge and access to the available job opportunities, prepare the requirements prior to employment (e.g. processing of documents, NSO, birth certificate, NBI clearance, medical clearance, filling up of job application) and enter employment.

After completing the 20 days of training and passing the NC II assessment, 34 graduates will be deployed in Taytay, Rizal under Flavorcrest, a company connected to biggest fast food chains in the country, two will apply in Department of Education (DepEd) and the other two was hired at Daet Restaurant as Crew.

Prior to their graduation day, the program participants were very determined in fulfilling their dreams.

“Opportunity knocks only once and the program participants should grab it. This is a platform for them to improve their lives, and make their parents proud,” Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Francia Pabia said.

According to Kevin Tolin, 23, the class valedictorian said that of all the residents of Daet, they are very fortunate to be chosen as scholars, thanked SLP of DSWD for giving the opportunity.

“As a recipient of the project we/I must do our best in order to thank them by doing our job well. Let us not disappoint them for it is a sign of ungratefulness. This is the start of our new path.”, he added.

Furthermore, the Food and Beverage Services NC II is a technical-vocational program that trains students on the preparation of food plans and meals for restaurants, hotels, canteens, banquets and functions, and basically any establishment that serves food to a large number of people. This program also educates students about kitchen/service area procedures and protocols and the general routine and responsibilities.

Lastly, program participants upon deployment, will still receive allowances and will closely monitor by the IPDO and MPDO assigned to ensure the success and effectiveness of the training they undergone until they all become a regular employee.

SLP is a community-based capacity building program that aims to improve the socio-economic condition of the participants. It facilitates interventions that expand the livelihood asset base of the participants (human, social, physical, natural, and financial capital) so they may either have gainful employment or successfully manage a microenterprise.