46 Porac Aetas finish skills trainings

At least 46 Aetas from Porac, Pampanga who successfully completed their tech-voc trainings received their certificates of completion in simple graduation rites held on June 7, 2012 at the Porac Municipal Training Center (PMTC) in Porac, Pampanga.

No less than TESDA-III Regional Director Ted Gatchalian confirmed the graduates and awarded the training certificates with Porac Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz, the PMTC benefactor. Thirteen young Aetas finished their training on Hilot (wellness massage); eight (8) in food and beverage service; eight (8) in tour guiding; seven (7) in front office services; and 10 in t-shirt printing. The trainings were conducted by the Saint Mary’s Angels College of Pampanga (SMACP) at the PMTC from April 14-June 7, 2012.

Aside from SMACP, another private group who assisted in the project is the Mandaluyong-based Eco-Creativa Foundation. It is actively involved in the Porac-Mt. Pinatubo Eco-tourism Project in Sapang Uwak, Porac. The Aeta graduates will become part of the active pool of workers in the said eco-tourism project.

The skills training towards employment program is part of the tripartite agreement signed by TESDA-Pampanga Provincial Director Ben-Hur Baniqued, Eco-Creativa Foundation headed by Flory Cuesta, and Mayor Dela Cruz, in October 2011.

Also present during the graduation ceremonies are Atty. Sharon Peñaflorida, Vice President of SMACP, Flory Cuesta, Ms. Jenny Dunglao of TESDA-Pampanga, Net Mariano of PMTC and other officials of the Municipality of Porac.