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| Graduates and guests pose for a souvenir photo at the end of the program. |
Diwa’t Kabayan Benlife Society Club celebrated its 19th annversary last Dec. 9 at with the theme, “Sabay-sabay na hakbang na mag-impok, magsanay, tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan.”
The guest speaker, Labor Attache Jsalilo dela Torre, praised the organization headed by Naty Manalo for its contiued efforts to train OFWs in skills that could prepare them for when they have to go home “for good”.
He also reiterated his call to avoid organizing or participating in beauty contests because of the financial burden they have become to the contestants and their families.
“We have seen some OFWs falling into debt because of all the financial requirements of being a contestant,” he said.
The event was held at U-Banquet at Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay.
For her part, the Consulate’s social work attache Elizabeth Lim Dy invited OFWs to seek assistance and counsellng if they have problems coping with life in Hong Kong.
Lester Paul S. Mata, the Social Security System Representative in Hong Kong, described the various benefits enjoyed by SSS members.
The program, emceed by Claire Apilado of TUCSO Organization and Edna Liboon of the National Professional Teachers’ Organization, was highlighted by the awarding of medals to outstanding trainees in beadscrafting, fashion accessories, ribbon folding, stocking flowers, basic bread baking, meat processing and cake decoration.
The trainees also displayed the products they made using their newfound skills.
In all, more than a hundred tainees received their certificates of completion in the graduation ceremonies.
The graduates were the products of a year-long training program conducted by trainors led by Manalo, in sessions done mostly at their gathering place on a pedestrian bridge in Central.
Manalo thanked the members and supporters for helping produce the latest harvest of trainees who now number in the thousands over the last 19 years.
Many of the former trainees have since etsablished their pown busnesses, Manalo told The SUN.
