By Hans Amancio
In an attempt to reduce poverty incidence in Manila, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has vowed to provide employment opportunities to thousands of poor Manilenos through the city’s development program.
During the graduation ceremony of around 1,035 Manilenos at the Manila Manpower Development Center, Estrada said that the “Womb to Tomb” development program by the city’s development center, in partnership with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provides educational assistance and employment opportunities to various barangays in the city.
The program offers short courses on hotel and restaurant services, baking, cooking and food processing, hair coloring, beauty care, unisex haircutting, bed sheet making, and throw pillow making, among others.
However, Estrada said that additional programs and evening classes will be available soon to further expand the program.
“I am also proud to announce that to expand the program, evening classes will likewise open, including cooking, beauty culture massage therapist and other shorter courses,” Estrada said.
Aside from the program, Estrada added that through the help of private sectors, Manilenos can now apply for a P5,000 loan to start their own small businesses.
