ANGELES CITY — The Specialized Training and Employment Program for Underprivileged Persons (STEP UP) recently marked its 10th anniversary by celebrating the completion of high-speed sewing training for Metro Clark residents.
A joint project of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Luenthai Group Phils. (Luenthai), and the City College of Angeles (CCA), this initiative aims to empower underprivileged Metro Clark residents with skills training for better job prospects.
The culmination ceremony, themed “Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence,” was held at the CCA Multi-purpose Hall recently. Key officials present included CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, former CCA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Francisco Villanueva, Jr., current CCA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Carolina Sarmiento, and Luenthai Vice President for Human Resources, Communications, and Compliance Leo Benitez.
A total of 40 individuals completed the program, per report of CDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD).
In her message, Devanadera commended the graduates for their dedication and highlighted the program’s objective of providing essential skills and job opportunities. She emphasized its alignment with the “town and gown” approach, which bridges industry needs with academic training.
“This is exactly what we need to have, and it’s a partnership between industries and academic institutions so that we will be able to provide talents that are needed by the industry,” she said.
The graduates expressed gratitude for the program and look forward to the job opportunities it provides.
“Natutuwa at nagpapasalamat ako sa training, pagkatapos nito, magagamit ko na ang aking natutunan sa pag-a apply ng trabaho,” according to Jessica Moscoso, 22 years old.
Age should not hinder Marciano Dongallo, 55, from acquiring skills that enhance his job prospects. “Talagang nakakatulong ang training, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng trabaho,” he said.
Since its launch in 2014, STEP UP has graduated 167 individuals who secured jobs within the Freeport or started their own businesses. It’s part of the CDC’s CSR program, covering Health, Education, Livelihood, and Partnerships (HELPS).
Present during the event were Ma. Zoraida Camello, Special Assistant to the President and CEO; Rommel Narciso, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs; and Astrud Aguinaldo, Communications Division Manager, all representing CDC. Also in attendance were Chit Manlapaz, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Community Relations, and Kathleen Maniti, Human Resources Manager, from Luenthai.