199 graduates from Iloilo City change centers
A total of 199 drug surrenderees who composed the second batch graduated July 31from Iloilo City Community Change Centers called The Crossroads in seven districts.
The latest graduates followed the first batch of 209 who graduated in January.
"We are glad that they persevered to change. We just hope that they will not go back to using illegal drugs and instead focus in making themselves a better person," stressed Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog during the graduation ceremony at Diamond Jubilee Hall.
Mabilog added the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are always ready to run after illegal drug users, pushers and protectors.
Iloilo City has 3,180 validated drug surrenderees or less than one percent affectation of the total 449,000 population.
Mabilog initiated The Crossroads to offer free holistic program and cater to mild to moderate cases of drug addiction wherein surrenderees are given daily doses of Vitamins C and B, counseling, values formation, spiritual and sports activities.
The City Hall also supports the drug rehabilitation program of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 by providing rice and sardines to drug surrenderees.
There were almost 600 drug surrenderees from metropolis who graduated from PRO-6 rehab.
Representatives from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were also present during the graduation ceremony.
After the six-month community-based rehabilitation, the graduates will be enrolled in technical-vocational courses at Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) Molo or Bo. Obrero. They can enroll in driving, masonry, welding, computer repair, food and beverages.
Mabilog also urged the graduates to form an organization each district and start a livelihood program.
"Your barangay captains, DOLE and DSWD are ready to help you grow your business and at the same time with your capitalization," said Mabilog.
A total of seven companies also joined the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) job fair on the day of graduation.
"Since they are graduating and upon the directive of Mayor Mabilog, we put up a recruitment area for the job fair to provide employment opportunities," said PESO head Ma. Elena Benitez.
"We are very glad because these companies also give our graduates another chance to start their lives. We just hope and believe that there are also other companies which are willing to offer job opportunities to them," she added.
Most of the companies are looking for skilled workers like driving and masonry.
PESO is also conducting job fairs for drug surrenderees in various barangays.
"We are appealing to drug surrenderees not to be ashamed in applying for job because our city government's mission and advocacy is really to help you and give you chance to change," Benitez said. (Iloilo City PIO)
TIIC-Molo gets P2.2-M tools from Rotary Clubs
Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC)- Molo Campus received P2.2-million equipment and machine donations during the turnover July 31 from the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo, in partnership with Rotary Club of Anseong East and Rotary Club of Yeongcheon of the Rotary International.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for choosing and putting their programs, projects and time here at TIIC. This institution is where thousands of students study for free and is subsidized by the City Government. Your donation will be very helpful," stressed Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
He added the donation will improve the status of equipment at TIIC and at the same time will help city residents to acquire skills.
"More of our better individuals and responsible persons in the community will benefit from these donated equipment," Mabilog said.
The equipment will be used for three courses including Carpentry, Food Processing and Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
TIIC-Molo campus administrator, Ma. Mathilde Octavio said each course will accommodate 25 to 30 beneficiaries.
Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo President Peter Paul Yap said the equipment donation is in line with their sustainability projects.
"The donation will help improve the lives of people and there is a bigger chance that the beneficiaries can easily find a better job if they are trained through the use of proper equipment," said Yap.
He added that out-of-school youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and high school graduates are among those who will benefit. (Iloilo City PIO)