Laid off workers to get livelihood training

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) is gearing up for the new normal by bringing livelihood training to the barangays.

“Nangandam ang atong DMDP sa pagsugod sa ilang livelihood trainings,” said Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella in an interview aired via Facebook.

Labella said DMDP will be conducting skills training in the barangays once the city’s quarantine status will already be lifted and the city transitions to the new normal.

“Ang katuyuan niini mao ang pagtabang sa mga nawagtangan og trabaho nga makakita og laing panginabuhian (The purpose of these trainings is to help those who lost their jobs to the pandemic),” Labella said, adding that those who lost regular jobs will be the main priority.

DMDP’s trainers will be teaching income-generating skills, including pottery-making, facemask making, as well as how to make soap, candles, lamp shades, fashion accessories, and toys, among others.

Aside from the skills training, DMDP will also include budgeting, costing, marketing and effective selling.

“Nagpasalamat ako sa dakong suporta sa DMDP sa atong katuyuan nga mapabarug og balik ang ekonomiya nga naapektuhan kaayo sa pandemya (I thank the office for supporting our thrust of reviving the economy that’s been affected by the pandemic),” Labella said.

For the meantime, though, DMDP is also offering online classes as face-to-face classes in not yet allowed even under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Courses offered include housekeeping, culinary, computer systems servicing and literacy programs, massage, food and beverage services and even plumbing.

For enrolment and other inquiries, the public can check DMDP’s FB page. — JMD (FREEMAN)