Parcon pushes for integration of training centers
Parcon
Re-electionist City Councilor Armand Parcon wants the integration of the city's two training centers--the Helping Foundation and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIP)--to become more effective in its quest to help the youth.
Parcon, during the "Be Our Guest" candidates forum sponsored by the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps said the integration of the two institutions will pave way for an accreditation from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).
Graduates of TESDA accredited training centers have big chances of landing a job not only locally but also in the international arena. This will bring more jobs and eventually more income to the city residents.
The Helping Foundation was founded in 1990 and its operation is being supported by the city government. It is the Ilonggos' alternative to different schools offering short-term courses such as cosmetology, food technology, hotel and restaurant services. The trainings are being offered for free. Indigents in the city seek training with the Helping Foundation to earn a living by learning short-term courses with sure clients to serve after a three-month training.
Most of the cosmetologists, hairstylists and manicurists now working in different salons and beauty parlors in the city are graduates of the Helping Foundation. Some of the graduates does not only land jobs here but also abroad. Cosmetologists and hairstylists trained in the Helping Foundation passed the international standards for workers to work abroad especially in the Middle East. Hairstylist and cosmetologist jobs vary depending on the size and type of salon they work in.
On the other hand, the TIIP mostly offer technical and automotive trainings. It was established in the early 90s through a local city ordinance with a primary purpose to extend help to indigent city residents though skills training. The ordinance which called for the creation of the TIIP was authored by Councilor Erlinda Liberriaga.
Parcon said the integration of the two training centers is just one way of helping the Ilonggos to uplift the conditions of the city's indigent residents.