MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Highlighting the intended positive impacts, trainers who led technical-vocational courses for their special clients encouraged seriousness for every training session conducted.

Recently, at least 100 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) situated at the Malabang District Jail in Malabang town in Lanao del Sur province were some of the special clients who received special attention from the Bangsamoro government through the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education-Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) and funds lodged under the Bangsamoro scholarship program.

With the help of two TESD-accredited schools, RLM Multi-Skills Training and Assessment Center, Inc. and Mohammad Jamesbond Bangsamoro Multi-Skills Advancement Center, Inc., 25 inmates learned how to make bread and pastries, cook, set tiles, and install and maintain electrical systems.

Rosanna Matuan, the president of RLM Muti-skills Training and Assessment Center, Inc., revealed that the MBHTE-TESD had given them slots to accommodate PDLs for cooking, tile setting, and bread and pastry production.

With this opportunity, she stressed to their special trainees, as she would have to those classified as regular clients, that if the government offers them any form of aid like upskilling them, they must heartily accept and avail of it as this can immensely improve their lives.

"Isapuso natin at huwag nating hayaan na hindi ma-grab ng sarili natin dahil malaking tulong ang training sa pag-uplift ng inyong buhay. Tuloy lang at huwag sayangin ang oras," said Matuan. 

(Let us take it to heart and not let ourselves miss out because the training is a big help in uplifting our lives. Just continue and do not waste time)

The school president is positive that their trainers have already taught more than enough to their special clients, especially in reminding them not to think that the community has left them behind.

Matuan told the trainees that what was important was that they were able to undergo training, and their maximum cooperation was the only thing that mattered, considering that at the end of the day, all the efforts needed are just for their own sake.

"I always tell them na [that] money can be stolen and strength may fail, but the knowledge and skills na natutunan niyo [that you learn] within our school will be yours forever," she said.

Matuan was, nonetheless, elated, saying the time given to them was not wasted, as those who finished tile setting already knew well how to install tiles, while those who completed the cookery and bread and pastry production training can already run their own restaurants and bakeries when they are freed in the future. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)