Twenty-nine scholars of Malampaya Foundation, Inc.’s (MFI) Bridging Employment through Skills Training (BEST) programme have just completed the five-month technical-vocational course at the Keppel Shipyard in Bauan, Batangas. The scholars from Mindoro began their training in December of 2012.
Prior to the training, the scholars were supervised by the Technical Vocational School of Baco, Oriental Mindoro (BTVS) as they complied with necessary scholarship requirements. At the scholars’ graduation rites, BTVS Administrator Cecil Zulueta expressed hope that the new graduates will be gainfully employed as welders just like previous BEST trainees who landed various jobs in Mindoro and Batangas.
Outgoing Baco Mayor Graciano de la Chica, under whose administration the BTVS was built, has acknowledged the support lent by Malampaya to his town, particularly in the area of poverty alleviation. MFI Programme Manager Teddy Bolivar, for his part, told the graduates, “Don’t forget to look back where you came from by helping your respective families and your town once you start earning as welders.”
MFI shares a memorandum of agreement with BTVS for the latter to provide technical skills in welding to out-of-school youths through the BEST programme in the said town.
This year’s graduates are: Christian M. Aceveda, Bernette E. Adarlo, Normal L. Agena, Ireneo M. Almario, Geraldo D. Aluan, Rhandy A. Amoin, Charlie M. Andal, Bernard Adam C. Andaya, John C. Rex Austria, Rona L. Avelino, Guillermo D. Binay, Michael D. Bugay, Glen Mark N. Cabanillas, Resty D. Casa, Jay-r C. Consulta, Jerry Boy B. Corpin, Ana Marie N. Gabo, Alexander S. Gain, Ericson D. Hernandez, Jeffrey A. Hidalgo, Rhayan O. Manalo, Edmon A. Medina, Lilian E. Pangilinan, Franskie S. Penaflor, Arvee G. Perena, Nhemar M. Romero, Ernane R. Ruireda Jr., Marilyn A. Valencia, Aldrin P. Vinculado.
(Left) A Malampaya scholar receives her diploma during the graduation ceremony held at Baco municipal gymnasium; (middle) The graduates listen intently to a guest speaker during their graduation rites; (right) The scholars with their parents.
