‘Gupit Kabuhayan’ kicks off in Iloilo
Need a quick, professional haircut with the promise of a new look in 15 minutes? Need to be ‘re-charged’ in the hands of a skilled therapist in an hour?
Give it another day and Iloilo will have at least 140 of such new “pros,” thanks to yesterday’s launching of “Gupit Kabuhayan” in three Iloilo towns.
Yet another Ilonggo livelihood and empowerment project, movers are Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and wife, Second District Representative Judy Jalbuena-Syjuco.
At the helm of Gupit Kabuhayan is the renowned Les Reyes of the Reyes International School of Cosmetology, same man behind the highly successful Reyes Haircutters Salon Chain. Also providing back-up in the Iloilo launching is Dina Reyes and ten of the selected Reyes hair and massage gurus.
The training course will cover the basics of hair cut and massage with the trainees, all neophytes.
Les Reyes in an interview with Iloilo reporters was all optimistic of the program saying all it takes for the trainees to succeed is the will to learn.
“This is an all-gender program, from aged 17 onwards. What’s more, Congresswoman Syjuco will also gift our graduates with a start-up kit and that means a start-up of their livelihood also,” he said while adding that the Iloilo launching is one “great opportunity” for all.
Alongside the training on the basics of hair cutting and massage, Les Reyes also took the time to spread the word for the need to professionalize the salon industry.
“I would want that one day all our hairdressers, hairstylists, haircutters and other workers in the salon business to be recognized by the government as professionals. TESDA is one of our partners making that possible by issuing accreditation to our staff. One day I would want to see card-bearing salon professionals in the Philippines,” he shared.
Dubbed “Ang Salon ng Bayan,” existing branches of Reyes Haircutters are found all over Metro Manila with provincial branches nationwide.
Meantime, the training continues with graduation of the first batch of Ilonggo Gupit Kabuhayan trainees set tomorrow.
A TESDA source said planned as first activity of the graduates will be a free hair cut to a select group of public school kids and the elderly.