DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The  702nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army together with the Career Builders Skills Training and Assessment Center, Inc. (CBSTACI) has recently launched a 15-day train-for-work program for residents of Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bataan, and Zambales.

The program, which started on January 9 at Camp Lt. Tito B Abat in Manaoag, Pangasinan is under the Peace and Community Empowerment (PACE) initiative.

Brig. Gen. Gulliver Señires, commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, stressed that the PACE program focuses on promoting peace and inclusive development support such as helping local government units achieve a stable economy, and one of these is providing skills training and employment opportunities to all.

Jose Chan Jr., founder of CBSTACI, said “Your training here will be divided into three parts. First, we will focus on developing your technical skills. Second, we will work on the formation of your values. And third, we will hone your soft skills.”

He added, “We will also teach you how to budget, cook, and be a responsible worker and citizen. All accommodation, food, and necessities are free.”

Chan stated that after the training, their deployment would begin in various locations including Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, and Pasig.

He also stated that after working for one year, the beneficiaries of the program will be given the opportunity to obtain a passport in preparation if they wish to work abroad.

Arnesty Nartatez, a beneficiary of the program, expressed his gratitude.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tulong na ibinigay ng programang PACE. Malaking pagpapala po ito sa akin, at taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa 702nd Infantry Brigade at Career Builders,” he stated.

(I am grateful for the assistance provided by the PACE program. It has been a great blessing to me, and I extend my sincere thanks to the 702nd Infantry Brigade and Career Builders.)

Señires said the graduation ceremony for Batch 1 will be held on January 25 at Camp Lt Tito B Abat in Manaoag town, and this will be followed by Batch 2’s training-for-work on sewing. 

Meanwhile, Chan said that the Career Builders movement has been active for 10 years with its establishment rooted in the advocacy of “Building Lives For Better Future” to address unemployment and poverty alleviation and to help people become self-sustaining.

Since its establishment, Chan said the CBSTACI has helped around 2,000 individuals find jobs, 437 people have been able to work abroad, and around 1,000 people have been granted passports during the COVID-19 pandemic. (PIA Pangasinan)