MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Twenty-five (25) out-of-school youth (OSY) here received Wednesday, Nov. 9, their training certificate on tile-setting NC II under the Urban Child Protection and Participation Project (UCPPP) of World Vision Philippines.

The training program was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD), Provincial/City Manpower Development Center (PCMDC), and the barangay local government units of Rapasun, Tuca Ambolong, Cadayonan 1, Cadayonan 2, and Malimono.

Project Manager Adonis Casinillo said the initiative seeks to equip the OSYs with the necessary skills to reach their full potential to get employed or support their livelihood. This, he said, is to help uplift their lives, their families, and the community as a whole.

During the culmination program held at the City Hall, World Vision also handed over starter kits to the OSYs to enable them to either start up a livelihood or harness their earned skills.

"Itong culmination program is for the 25 select OSYs na nasa covered areas ng project [this culmination program is for the 25 select OSYs in the areas covered by the project]. They have been selected by the community to be given the chance na mas broaden yung opportunity for them to have livelihood or engage in more productive activities," Casinillo said.

The project manager said tile setting was chosen as the training course for the OSY in consideration of the market demand, particularly with the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi.

OSY Parhan Mama-o conveyed his thanks to World Vision, MBHTE-TESD, and PCMDC for the aid. He said such support is unforgettable for them as the skills they acquired in the training cannot be bought.

Meanwhile, the completers are set to undergo the national competency assessment to obtain the national certificate or NC II.

MBHTE-TESD Lanao del Sur Provincial Office Planning and Administrative Officer Esmael Capampangan said the most important takeaway from the skills training is the NC II certification which will serve as evidence that they have acquired the necessary skills in tile setting.

On the part of the city government of Marawi, Public Employment Service Office Manager Cabsaran Pacasum Jr. committed to help the completers in searching for employment by submitting the names of the completers to the City Engineering Office for possible employment consideration for infrastructure projects under Marawi rehabilitation and recovery. He also thanked World Vision Philippines for the said project that caters to constituents from the less affected area of the city.(APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)