Aboitiz-supported trainees receive nat’l certification

Twenty-five Aboitiz Foundation trainees from San Pedro Multi-purpose Cooperative in Sto. Tomas, Batangas received their National Certificate II on masonry, a strong addition to the pool of certified and qualified masons in the country.

The capability-building and certification program is part of the Foundation’s Enterprise Development program, which aims to provide decent and sustainable livelihood to more cooperatives nationwide.

The certification program is in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Beneficiary Jonathan Almaden, now a certified mason, said the certification helped build his selfconfidence in his chosen career path.

“Dito ko nalaman kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging bihasa. Ang inaakala ko noon, ako ay bihasa na -- hindi pala, ako ay marunong lang. Salamat sa pagbibigay sa amin ng pagkakataon na itaas ang tiwala sa sarili. Taas noo kong ibabahagi na ako ay certified mason (I learned what it means to be an expert. I thought I was but I just know [masonry]. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to trust my capability. I am proud to be a certified mason),” he said.

Lawyer Irene Sta. Ana, AboitizLand Senior Manager, said the Aboitiz Group’s assistance will continue even after the training sessions as they will explore opportunities for the masons to be part of AboitizLand’s projects.

Present during the graduation ceremony held last October was TESDA Calabarzon administrator Gerardo Mercado.

TESDA Batangas provided the skills training, while the Aboitiz Foundation and AboitizLand donated training kits such as uniform, hard hat, and tools.

“We are very happy for this batch’s 100 percent passing rate, and delighted to know that all of the trainees are either employed or are already processing your applications to work overseas. We request the masons to use their hard-earned knowledge and the masonry kits to start their own businesses, and contribute not only to their cooperatives but to their communities,” said Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan.

To date, 234 cooperative members have already been trained and provided with more opportunities to increase their income.

This initiative is aligned with the Aboitiz Group’s promise of advancing business and communities and the Foundation’s strategy of co-creating safe, empowered, and sustainable communities.