Jobs await graduates of Mandaue's entrepreneurial development program

CEBU, Philippines - Two hundred eleven graduates of the Mandaue City government's Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) are already assured of jobs at the Mactan Export Processing Zone and in some companies in the city.

This was revealed by Evangeline Manalili during their vocational courses graduation last Tuesday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

She said Metro Ware, a garments factory based at MEPZ, has assured the city that the company will absorb all Industrial Sewing Machine Operators (ISMO) graduates.

Six of the 28 graduates have already started working at Metro Ware and were given permission to attend the graduation exercises.

Aside from ISMO graduates, car and surplus companies in Mandaue City, particularly JRA surplus are also willing to absorb all 23 graduates of automotive mechanic and 28 graduates of refrigeration and air-conditioning.

"We assured the would-be employers that we produce quality graduates of our three-month skills training program," said Manalili.

Mayor Jonas Cortes established the EDP when he assumed office in 2007 to help residents find jobs in light of the world economic slump.

School registrar Lucena Velasquez said ten short courses which run for three months are being offered for free. These include Automotive Mechanic, Computer Literacy, Cake Decorating, Cosmetology, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Dressmaking, Draperies and Curtains, Food and Meat Processing, Industrial Sewing Machine Operator and Culinary Arts.

Velasquez said the student has to spend P500 for the two sets of uniform, identification card, and a certificate. - THE FREEMAN