Panabo City, Davao Del Norte (DSWD XI) –Some 177 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) graduated from technical vocational training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II, Automotive Servicing NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Security Servicing NC I, and Cookery NC II on Wednesday.

The graduation ceremony was held at Panabo Multi-Purpose Cultural Gym.

The technical vocational training was made possible through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department in partnership with Lotus Foundation School and Training Center, Endonela Institute of Technology Foundation Inc., Southeastern Mindanao Institute of Technology, United Security Professionals Training Academy Corp., and the Local Government Unit of Panabo City.

DSWD Field Office XI Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat, together with SLP Field Office XI Regional Program Coordinator Maria Victoria N. Arancon, led the distribution of starter kits for the respective livelihood courses to the beneficiaries.

“In the past weeks, we have witnessed a number of our program participants like you finish various technical-vocational courses in some cities and municipalities all over the region. We, at DSWD, are confident that each one of you will prosper in your chosen field considering the commitment you have demonstrated and of course, given the distinct expertise and track record of our partner training institutes. But don’t be contented with what you’ve got now. Continue learning to improve your proficiency and be able to provide a better life to your family,” Director Jabagat encouraged the new graduates in her message.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a community-based capacity building effort that seeks to improve the beneficiaries’ socio-economic status through Micro-Enterprise Development and Employment Facilitation. (DSWD)