Forty-two youths coming from Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City were given free trainings by the Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) in coordination with the local barangay officials and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Region IX.
The training courses offered to the students were Basic Computer Literacy, Basic Electricity, and Basic Oxy Acetelyne Cutting/Welding Course conducted onboard the Philippine Navy ship, BRP DAGUPAN CITY (LC551). Twenty four attendees finished basic Computer Literacy, eleven Basic Electricity, four Arc welding and three Oxy Acetylene Cutting/ Welding Training. The said programs cater primarily to students of ages 17-27, out of school youth which aim to get education and enhance their skills that could help them find better jobs.
The training started on April 15 and successfully finished 0n 5 June 2013. The new Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander, COMMO ISABELO H GADOR attended the graduation ceremony. During the graduation ceremony, he encouraged the students to practice not only the skills they have learned from the Navy but also the values they gained from the Sailors and Marines during the course of the training.
Since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had shifted its effort from an “All out war” to “BAYANIHAN” concept, various undertakings were initiated in consonance with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the national government. Supporting this campaign of winning the hearts and mind of the community, the NFWM through the Civil Military Operations Unit- Western Mindanao (CMO-WM) has coordinated with other agencies realization of the above mentioned training courses.
This is the first time that NFWM has launched the said program and with the success and good feedback it has received definitely this will not be the last. And ultimately, NFWM intends to expand the said program to other local communities and be able to accommodate more students to build a good working environment among the people in its area of responsibility.
[mappress] Press Release, June 17, 2013; Image: Philippine Navy