250 scholars renew hope to improve their lives
The opportunity to learn can take people further in life, despite the lack of financial means to finish education.
This is what CEMEX Philippines and its partners from Rizal province and Antipolo had in mind when they joined hands to establish the CEMEX Information Technology (IT) Training Center at Barangay San Jose in Antipolo City, Rizal.
Since its inauguration in 2015, out-of-school youth and unemployed community members of the country’s largest barangay have had a new source of hope to improve their lives.
In fact, 250 scholars just recently graduated from the CEMEX IT Center. They are now ready to realize their dreams and even aspire for higher ones.
During his speech, John Kenneth Padilla, the 26-yearold valedictorian of the batch, described the common aspiration that he shared with his classmates.
“The desires of our heart are quite simple. It is to bring joy to our families and small changes in the world where we move in,” he said.
“We are part of the youth who hope to raise our families from poverty. We promise not to fail the people who have faith in our success,” he added.
The Training Center offered its scholars the opportunity to learn from a one-year computer course taught by qualified Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) trainers and instructors.
Through the management of the City of Antipolo and San Jose Barangay Council, the learning facility has been equipped with computers and other devices that helped the students learn essential skills that are in demand in the IT industry.
The participants also received a TESDA certification after completing the course and passing the evaluation.
Scholars were equipped with other technical skills like maintenance of IT network systems, computer repair, setting up of servers, and troubleshooting. Aside from IT courses, the Training Center also provided English classes that helped students enhance their communication skills.
The CEMEX Training Center also houses the Rizal Quarry Academy where courses on mining engineering, responsible quarrying, and sustainability management are offered. Also nearby is the Solid Cement Corp., a subsidiary of CEMEX Holdings Philippines.