Goal 101: Breaking the Barriers of Poverty and Deprivation among the Marginalized Ones

Last October 19, 2011, we had our graduation rites for the Hairdressing and Beauty Care Skills Training in Barangay Bawing, this city. A total of 32 Samal and Badjao participants were able to graduate from the 15-days community-based skills training for the out-of-school youths.

Twenty seven of the graduates; the other five have already reported for their new assignment

The training was made possible thru the Barangay Development Fund of Hon. Elizabeth B. Bagonoc and Hon. Eduardo D. Leyson IV, and by the facilitation of the Barangay Council, headed by Brgy. Capt. Jerry M. Jugarap, and Ms. Evangel Beliran of CENRO.  The Youth Affairs and Development Office handled the secretariat and administrative sides of the training. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) sanctioned the training and provided the Certificate of Competencies to the graduates.  

The occasion was graced by no less than Mrs. Flora O. Fulguerinas, Supervising TESD Specialist of TESDA SarGen Office.  Also present was Hon. Joseph Gusto, Chairperson of Committee on Education of Barangay Council of Bawing.

One of the graduates, Mr. Arjalal M. Silongan, Jr., who made his personal impression on the program, was really thankful to the organizers for providing them the necessary skills that would really be a big help for them and their respective families.  He further stated that somehow his life now is brighter and has direction because of the training.

 The following courses were imbedded in the training:

1.    Foot spa

2.    Pedicure and manicure

3.    Facial make-up

4.    Hair styling

5.    Hair rebonding

6.    Hair treatment and coloring

7.    Hair cutting and curling

For the Samal and Badjao youths, their participation in the training mean more than anything - opportunity to help their families survive. Lifestyle to them is simple. They usually live on a day to day basis. Most of them had just gone to elementary school and a few were able to reach high school. None of them ever reach the portals of college institutions.

They were thankful that, even though how lowly they are, the government really was able to look after their plight.

Now, they are looking for a tangible venue in which they could hone up and enhance their newly acquired skill.  One better aspiration according to them is to put in practice their skill in a beauty parlor situated in their village and that even a makeshift one will do.

The Unlad Kakayahan ng Kabataan - Skills Training and Enhancement Program (UKK-STEP) is at the centerpiece of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio's socio-economic agenda - poverty alleviation - for the City of General Santos.