TACLOBAN CITY- After Tacloban was destroyed by supertyphoon Yolanda, part of its rehabilitation and recovery program to help the survivors, the city government through its Comprehensive Livelihood Entrepreneurial Program (CLEP) now offers classes specifically for men, Councilor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez, who is the CLEP founder. According to Councilor Cristina, the demand for jobs escalated since many establishments shut down after the city experienced the devastation with the fathers, who are considered the bread winners in a family, were left with nothing to sustain the daily needs of their respective families.

By equipping our men with skills they can easily look for in demand livelihood jobs that can sustain his family, the wife of Mayor Alfred Romualdez said. With the boom of construction projects in the city a tie-up program with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for accreditation purposes the city opted to offer more classes on masonry, electrical installation maintenance, carpentry, painting, heavy equipment and plumbing. Previously CLEP is known to most Taclobanon as the “Cristina Learn & Earn Program”, it’s a livelihood program of Mayor Romualdez. Thousands of women have already availed the CLEP’s various programs.

With the need to harness survivors of Yolanda to its needs, around 50 men graduated on its first batch of classes which started last August. On-going CLEP classes likewise also offer reflexology, cosmetology, haircutting and food processing for women. What is good about it, Councilor Romualdez added, is that CLEP graduates are accredited by TESDA which means they can work locally and abroad. Ready toolkits are given likewise by said agency. It’s a 10-day whole day class for prospected clients and usually held at the Balyuan Building. For interested applicant they can signify their intent at the Office of Councilor Romualdez located at the Legislative Building or the CLEP Classroom at Balyuan Building. In line with this livelihood classes to help Taclobanons, the city government through CLEP, the Republic of Korea (Korean Araw contingent) and TESDA partnered in this so called heavy equipment operation training.

The month-long vocational course for survivors who wished to operate heavy equipment such as pay loader, forklift, bulldozer, crane and excavator will produce graduates equipped to operate heavy facilities and equipment. Graduates of said heavy equipment courses will be given certificates and the chance to apply at the Tacloban Public Employment Service Office (PESO) for job opportunities for local and abroad. (GAY GASPAY)

TAFT, Eastern Samar – Series of activities marked the 111th year founding anniversary of this town, considered one of the trade centers of the province. The founding anniversary, celebrated last October 23, was described by its young mayor, Marian June Libanan, as a phase for the town to “move forward.” The town, named after US President William Howard Taft, has a population of more than 18,000 spread on its 24 villages and is growing fast as one of the trading centers of Eastern Samar. To mark its 111th founding anniversary, series of activities were lined up to enliven the celebration.

Among the activities conducted include the holding of a tree planting and the Tubignon Festival with the search of Miss Taft 2014 as a highlight. Sports competition involving various agencies in the local government was also conducted as well as the People’s Day wherein different services were availed by the people. Construction of a new public market and a farm-to-market road were also inaugurated.

Former town mayors Aniceto Cebreros, Lope Ty and Francisco Adalim were also given honor during the celebration. Also recognized during this year’s founding anniversary was former congressman Marcelino Libanan, father of the sitting mayor. Also held were “Alay Lakad,” photo contest, literacy and musical night, agri fair, training involving the members of the municipal peace and order council and parade held on the day of the founding anniversary wherein 111 pieces of balloons were released. On the day of the celebration, a Thanksgiving Mass was held officiated by Father Lope Robredillo, parish priest. The Philippine Commission, under the Government of the United State of America, passed the Commission Act 960 which created the town of Taft on October 23, 1903. (GILBERT ARTECHE)