“Dream, plan, commit, and have courage.” According to Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc. (KKSBFI) Managing Director Levin N. Uy, these are the key components to success.

Uy delivered his inspirational message in front of 50 graduates during the Skills Training on Beauty Care: Manicure & Pedicure and Haircutting Graduation Ceremony which took place at the KKSBFI headquarters on December 18.

The 10-day training, organized through the combined effort of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), TESDA Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades (PSAT), KKSBFI, and LGU-Bayambang, started on November 9 and saw 25 graduates for manicure and pedicure and 25 graduates for haircutting. PSAT Training Provider Winston G. Cagampan, PSAT OJT Coordinator Zaldy Lomibao, TESDA Instructor Cruzaldo Z. Lomibao, and SLP-FPDO II Angelica B. Bautista were also present to witness the ceremony.

“Sana marami pa kayong matulungan na mga mahirap na kagaya ko,” said Rodilyn Soriano, one of the graduates.
According to Uy, there have been almost 50,000 completers since the award-winning KKSBFI started offering livelihood training programs for different skills. “Mahirap ang maging mahirap pero mas mahirap ang walang pangarap,” he said, as he urged the graduates to enrich what they have learned by practicing. He noted that the trainings are helpful in the Quiambao-Sabangan administration’s Revolution Against Poverty.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lerma D. Padagas stated that Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao is the brain behind these activities. Uy concurred, saying “Ang ating mahal na Mayor ay seryoso na labanan ang kahirapan, seryoso na tulungan kayo, kaya dapat lagi kayong naka-abang sa mga programang aming ii-implement” … “Ito ay trabaho na dapat pagtulungan natin,” he added.

To end the program, Padagas encouraged the graduates by telling them that poverty can be eradicated if Bayambangueños work together. “Kayang-kaya basta sama-sama at may kooperasyon,” she said.