JEDDAH, 1 December 2005 — When the 32 current wards of the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) at the Philippine Consulate here finally return home, they won’t be left holding an empty bag.
Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong said the all-women wards have recently completed training on three highly profitable activities, namely, flour processing and pasta making, hair styling and synergistic massage therapy.
“This is an alternative way to earn a living, and an upgrade of the skills of these ladies,” Nilong told Arab News.
After the training, the wards received certificates of completion from Consul General Pendosina Lomondot during an award ceremony held at the consular grounds.
Flour processing and pasta making and hair styling were the shortest courses, lasting only a day each.
The massage therapy training took 12 days to complete.
Nilong said the participants underwent rigid training that entails both practice and theory. At the end of the sessions, the trainees had to take practical and written exams to earn their certificates.
Sessions were conducted in the late evenings because of the work schedule of the trainers, mostly volunteers from the Filipino community.
“The lectures were very useful. You can use the knowledge taught to work in spas and saunas,” said Angeline, one of the top graduates, who has a physical therapy degree from the Philippines, and who passed the Saudi Ministry of Health examinations.
To Fadzrama, the training added value to her existing skills. “I have learned plenty of ideas that would be useful in my work as a caregiver,” she said.
Sarah said she took the hair styling course because she was more inclined in cosmetology.
“I learned so many things. When I go home to the Philippines, I’d like to study some more so that I can earn more money with this skill,” she said.
Maribeth and Fadzrama placed second in both practical and written exams. Cecilia, Edelyn, Mari-jo and Dinwaza placed first in practical and third placers in the written exams.
Juliette, Zuleha, Hanifa, Demie, Irene and Angeline placed first in the practical exams and third in the written portion.
The rest of the participants — Fatima, Sarah, Edlin, Norcida, Eufrocina and Lani — all placed third in the practical exams and passed the written examinations.
The consulate recognized the volunteer instructors by giving them certificates of recognition during the awards ceremony. They were Belen Escasinas, Julie Guiabar, Dannymar Tuvilla, Ma. Theresa Gina Onesa, Teresita Orduna. Special thanks were extended to Fred Mangandato for initiating and coordinating the training project.
The wards are housed temporarily at the FWRC pending resolution in the labor courts of their disputes with their employers.
