Clark Freeport—The first batch of graduates from this year’s wig-making program expressed heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the government and skills training partners.
During their graduation ceremony, several wig makers who completed the one-month program thanked Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Aderans Philippines Inc. (API), and Starboard Manpower Services, Inc. (Starboard) for conducting the training. These graduates are set to join API, renowned for its quality hairpieces and accessories exported globally.
In her address, CDC President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera underscored the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
“This program is a collaboration between CDC, TESDA, and the private sector, where we provide training to improve applicants’ qualifications and ensure they are hired by companies here in Clark,” she explained.
“Para maging epektibo tayo bilang mga partners, kailangan may teamwork, kailangan may partnership. At ‘yun ang nais kong itanim sa isip ninyo na ang pamahalaan ay buhay na buhay sa pagtulong sa mga mamamayan,” Devanadera added.
(For us to be effective as partners, we need teamwork, we need partnership. And that is what I want to instill in your minds, that the government is very much alive extending assistance to our countrymen.)
Angel Malagday, one of the graduates, emphasized the rigorous nature of the training and credited their success to the unwavering support of the CDC, API, and Starboard.
“Hindi po ganoon kadali ang paggawa ng wig. Ang masasasabi ko po na natuto po talaga kami at nasubaybayan po talaga ‘yung skills namin (Making a wig is not that easy. But we really learned and the progress of our skills were monitored),” Malagday said.
“Sobrang thankful po kami sa opportunity na ito kasi kung wala po sila (CDC), wala po kami ngayon sa posisyon na ito (We are so thankful for this opportunity because without the CDC, we would not be in this position),” she added.
Sheila Mae Maniago echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the training enhanced her confidence and expanded her knowledge base.
“The wig-making gave me an opportunity to build my confidence, explore career options, build on existing skills, and gain qualifications. It helps me to improve myself by gaining knowledge and skills,” Maniago said in Filipino.
Krissa Mae Esguerra emphasized the significant contribution of wig-making to supporting her family. The CDC remains committed to supporting its locators by providing training and facilitating job placements.