Legarda Calls for More ‘Green Skills’ Programs

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO INCREASE THEIR SUPPORT FOR “GREEN SKILLS” PROGRAMS THAT WOULD NOT ONLY CREATE MORE LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANY FILIPINOS BUT ALSO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION.
The Office of Senator Legarda has already been conducting green skills training in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide livelihood opportunities to poor communities using recycled materials while promoting a cleaner environment.
“This is an effort that is multi-beneficial. We are creating jobs for our people, making good use of recyclable waste materials, helping solve our garbage problems, and protecting our environment. We just need to give more support to this program so that we can implement it in the whole country, particularly in poor communities,” Legarda said.
During the Lingkod Loren Advocacy Fair last February 3, 2011, in celebration of the Senator’s birthday, 16 trainers from Camanava, Manila, Pasig, Marikina, and Quezon City, graduated from the Trainers Methodology/Assessors Methodology Program conducted by TESDA. Legarda gave them certificates of appreciation for their contribution to their communities.
Dr. Nenuca Tangonan, Regional Director of TESDA-NCR, worked closely with the Bessie B. Legarda Livelihood Program of Senator Legarda to train them in teaching various skills such as: newspaper bag weaving, creating slippers and bags from water lilies, making accessories such as bracelets and rosaries from old magazine strips, and knitting plastic sando bags.
“I encourage local government units and the private sector to support this green skills program. National government agencies such as TESDA and the Department of Trade and Industry should work closely together for the promotion and marketing of the end products. This program would greatly help in bringing additional income to the poor communities, while using only minimal resources,” Legarda concluded.