More than 60 course completers, mainly out-of-school youth and even a number of college graduates, attended the Closing Ceremony held on May 3 at the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc. (KKSBFI) in Brgy. Amanperez after successfully finishing the three-month course in either Electrical Installation and Maintenance or Basic Computer Systems Servicing.

Speaking on behalf of KKSBFI founder Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, KKSBFI Managing Director Levin N. Uy said, “Pangarap ni CTQ na lahat ng out-of-school youth ng Bayambang ay mag-undergo ng skills training. Kahit hindi ito four-year course, di naman pahuhuli sa kompetisyon sa employment at income.”

For example, our town is in dire need of electricians, especially in the barangays, he said by way of illustration. “It takes two to three days bago ka makahanap ng electrician, so malaki ang chance na kumita at umasenso sa pagiging electrician. Lalo na’t bata pa kayo, tiyak na malayo ang mararating niyo. Napakataas ng rate ng electrician, halos ka-level ng supervisor. Ganun din ang welder, car painter, at car body repairman.”

“We commissioned a study and we found out that marami ang tambay kasi walang natapos, at dahil hindi nakapagkolehiyo, walang skills, walang capability. Yan ang major cause ng poverty sa Bayambang.”

“Dahil sa inyong natapos na kurso, meron na kayong sandata para makahanap ng trabaho o mag-umpisa ng sariling shop. Congratulations and good luck!” he said in conclusion.

Uy also revealed that the graduates are just the latest addition to the over 10,000 graduates of KKSBFI’s skills programs since 2005.

In his own speech, the Provincial Director of TESDA, Manuel B. Ong, raised the inspiring example set by Bill Gates, who did not finish college but went on to build Microsoft and become multibillionaire. “Kaya huwag niyong sayangin ang pagkakataong ito na natamo ninyo ng libre. Immediately look for a job or be self-employed by setting up your own shop. Make use of this to improve the quality of your life.”

“Alam ba ninyo na (at least) P50 kada butas ang fee sa electrical installation? At pagdating naman sa computer servicing, sino ang walang computer ngayon? … Mas maraming employment opportunities for skilled workers kaysa sa professionals. Did you know that 7 out of 10 OFWs are skilled workers? Only 3 are professionals.”

He ended by giving this piece of advice to the course completers: “Bigyan ng kalidad ang inyong gawa. Pag quality work, no need to advertise. You will be the most sought-after electrician/technician!”

Among the trainees who were pronounced graduates, perhaps the most inspiring is 63-year-old Modesto Geronimo, who took up the course despite his pre-existing knowledge and experience. Another trainee only finished elementary education but he was able to pass all the hurdles faced in the duration of the course.

Another completer who finished the CSS course, Rolando Rafanan, quipped, “Dota player lang ako dati, pero ngayon pwede nang computer technician! … Marami palang gamit ang computer, di lang online gaming.”

The Completion Ceremony was also attended by Electrical Installation and Maintenance Trainer and Assessor Joel Doliente, CSS Trainer Dane John Pagsolingan, Municipal Consultant on Livelihood Danilo Gozum, People’s Law Enforcement Board Chairman Dr. Frank Zaragoza, and Municipal Compliance Officer on Good Governance Dr. Nicolas Miguel.

This livelihood/literacy project of KKSBFI has been made possible in cooperation with TESDA, ALS, DSWD, DTI, and Rotary Club.