Bagong Silangan in Quezon City has its way of becoming anew through the community that makes it, as well as through the assistance from Ayala Foundation, Globe-Hapag Movement, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) that fostered a partnership with Virlanie Foundation, Inc. in making the culminating activity for the Basic Sewing and Bread and Pastry trainees from Manila and Quezon City communities. Anew — because they have now graduated from the Community Program Livelihood Project in partnership with Globe-Hapag. They are officially graduates and nothing gives one a sense of being refreshed and rejuvenated but accomplishments made through hard work. This time, this novelty of being more skilled turns to familiarity as they embark on new ventures with skills that can potentially help them land a job, join the production facility of the program, or start their own business as sewing and baking are two areas deemed to have immense potential for growth and self-sustainability.
The Hapag Livelihood Project aims to provide less fortunate individuals and families with economic empowerment through livelihood skills and personality development. As their training comes to an end, Virlanie Foundation, Inc. held a culminating activity on 19 August 2023 at the Livelihood Center, Barangay Bagong Silangan. The day started with an opening prayer led by one of Virlanie’s sponsored students, followed by an introduction from one of the baking trainees and opening remarks from Virlanie’s Community Program Manager, Ms. Emma R. Solasco.
“I hope that you will get more inspired by the fact that Virlanie will not end with the training rather it will continue to take care of you until the time comes when you have enough knowledge, skills, and attitude to help you further. I also hope that we can count on you to change something in your family through our family-strengthening services.” Ms. Solasco said in her opening remarks.
The LGU kagawad (councilor) Mr. Fed Marcillo also gave a short speech preceding the recognition of graduates where they were presented with their certificates. For the intermission number, the Virlanie-sponsored students performed a dance and song number while the selected graduates also had the opportunity to share their testimonials at the event.
The event ended with gift-giving, food packs, and hygiene kits from Hapag as part of the additional support to the graduates, and special song performance by the graduates themselves, and the closing remarks from Ms. Solasco thanking all the Program staff, the trainer, and all the community leaders who volunteered themselves for the last 10 days of training as well as the LGU, Bagong Silangan for supporting Virlanie in lending their facility.
Ate Elaine, 45 years old, expressed her gratitude for the chance to participate in Basic Bread and Pastry Training, which provided valuable knowledge she may use as her sideline aside from being a full-time mother. This experience developed her interest in changing her usual routine at home. She was grateful indeed for everyone at Virlanie who supported and trusted her abilities.
Are you inspired by this story of transformation and empowerment from the Hapag Livelihood Project? Do you believe in the potential of craftsmanship such as sewing and baking in uplifting communities and changing lives? If so, it’s time to take action and join us in doing this impactful initiative once more.
To discover more of our efforts under the Community Program, head over to this link: https://virlanie.org/community/
