The SUN HK : Umela holds 14th graduation rites

Umela graduates and trainors are joined by their guests in a photo-op

Fifteen years into its existence and having gone through tough challenges posed by the pandemic, a migrant workers’ group specializing in providing massage training to their fellow domestic helpers in Hong Kong has again managed to hold a culmination and recognition rites for their graduates.

A total of 33 migrant domestic workers who completed the tough training given by United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association (Umela) were recognized at ceremonies held on Nov. 26 at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town.

The graduates who made up batches 56 to 59, were presented at Umela’s 14^th commencement exercises by founder and president Ofelia Baquirin before guests that included Vice Consul Angelo Manuel and Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog of the Consulate, as well as various business and community leaders.

PINDUTIN DITO!

Umela’s training is made up of six months of lectures on four general topics - basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathology - followed by 72 hours of hands-on training in massage therapy and Swedish massage.

Completing the course qualifies one to take the NC2 examination administered by Technical Education and Skills Development Academy (Tesda) in the Philippines. If they pass, they become licensed massage therapists and can operate their own spa or massage clinic in the country.

Top 3 students Abala, Visperas and Agustin (R to L) are recognized

The graduation’s highlight was the surprise announcement of special awards to outstanding students.

Named most outstanding trainee was Aileen Q. Zabala, while Elena Agustin and Janice Visperas were tied for the merit award.

Visperas also won the leadership award while the entrepreneurship prize was given to Maria Luisa Almandrones.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Three students were recognized in the hands-on category: Daisy D. Gum-o, Annalyn C. Picones and Susan T. Carig; while two – Reynalita A. Echan and Elena R. Lozano - were named best in clinical exercise.

Awarded for being most supportive was Ma Cristina Gonzales, most courageous was Lydia R. Caran, best in sportsmanship was Develyn M. Dacoco, while best in entertainment was Laarnie A. Jiquinto.

Among the guest speakers was Cynthia A. Tellez, general manager of the Mission for Migrant Workers, who praised Umela’s painstaking work that has benefited many MDWs, and present certificates for a special session on pain management provided by Karl Zedwolfe Tellez and organized by the Mission.

Baquirin supervises the hands-on training of students in their secluded public space (File)

Umela is a regular participant in the Mission’s Care to Caregivers project and in other community events where its provides free massage to the public, and in particular to their fellow domestic workers.

The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap, who is Umela’s adviser, cited Umela’s selfless work in providing training to MDWs even in the most difficult of times and places, particularly when pandemic restrictions made it extremely difficult for them to gather.