By Ronald Constantino
SKILLS 2D MAX – One doesn’t have to be in the government to be of service to the public. This “Mader Ricky” Reyes has proved time and again. He’s been offered a post in the government many times, but his answer is always a polite no.
“Mader’s” again into it – meaning public service by teaming up with Secretary Guiling “Kuya Gene” Mamondong of TESDA (Technical Education and Skill Development Authority) in launching Skill 2D Max “Angking Galing Mobile Livelihood Caravan.” It targets some 4,000 beneficiaries coming from marginalized sector of society, all residents of relocation sites of the National Housing Authority (NHA) with General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada Jr.
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‘DYNAMIC DUO’ – The “dynamic duo” – meaning “Mader Ricky” and “Kuya Gene” – met with the entertainment press to explain Skills 2D Max. Also around were Froilan R. Kampitan (asst. general manager of NHA) and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, representing, in a manner of speaking, Payatas. Ma’am Aster Amoyo, who emceed the program, called Joy “the next mayor of QC.”
“Kuya Gene” and Mr. Kampitan said that TESDA and NHA are implementing the instruction of President Duterte in uplifting the lives of our poor countrymen.
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BUT WHY? – As to why “Kuya Gene” opted to meet the entertainment media, he said showbiz writers are read by and connect with the “masa,’ the target of Skill 2D Max To which “Mader Ricky” agreed.
With the help of the movie-TV press, “Mader Ricky hopes to ask GMA stars to endorse the TESDA-NHA project, “Especially those stars who sincerely want to help the poor, ‘yung may pusong matulungin.”
“Mader Ricky” is a GMA or “Kapuso” artist, hosting a weekly beauty show, “Gandang Ricky Reyes,” for years.
“Kuya Gene” gave each writer two TESDA Certificate of Scholarship Commitment, which they may transfer to those interested in availing themselves of scholarship grant – free with kits and R100 daily allowance.
All beneficiaries or scholars will be given training on different modules of hairdressing and beauty care and other livelihood components.
The grand launch will be on May 8 at Smokey Mountain.
