The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), is working with various agencies to provide skills development trainings to help residents find alternative livelihoods amidst the pandemic.
PESO, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), held a “Malunggay and Squash Product Processing Training” at the Divine Word College of Laoag on April 16, 2021, with nearly 40 participants.
“Our goal is to increase employment opportunities to displaced workers and job seekers by providing skills development trainings,” PESO Manager Mrs. Lizette B. Atuan said.
“In our recent program, malunggay and squash served as our resources because of the abundance and ease of care in our backyard. Our participants learned how to make malunggay and squash pastillas, banana-squash bread, and squash doughnuts. With these, they can make their own products and start a small business,” she expounded.
Under its partnership with DOST and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), PESO continues to actively promote livelihood skill training programs.
Since the start of the pandemic, the office has conducted five (5) trainings, namely: the “Starter Kit Program” for micro, small, and medium businesses, which benefited vulcanizing, computer, tailoring, upholstery, and carwash shops; “IN na Negosyo sa Kariton” for displaced overseas Filipino workers; Baking and Cooking Training; and Computer Servicing Training.
“Marami pa kaming trainings na isasagawa. Hinihintay na lang namin ang approved schedule mula sa regional office,” Mrs. Atuan added.
Interested participants of PESO livelihood skills training may visit their office at the Provincial Capitol Building or message the Provincial PESO Ilocos Norte Facebook Page.— Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
