Actual haircutting of one of the trainees with the supervision of trainor Ms. Cynthia Rimando of TESDA.

Last March 2012, the TSPI-Tubao Branch at La Union conducted a survey on the livelihood activities which are of interest to their clients and which can easily produce additional income for them. Twenty-one (21) clients participated in the survey, with 1) haircutting, 2) food processing and 3) baking emerging as the top three interests.

From the highest-ranked activity of haircutting, Beauty Culture rose as a more complete livelihood activity, for Beauty Culture will comprise not just of hair-cutting but also of manicure and pedicure services. It wasn’t long before a  Livelihood Skills Training on Beauty Culture was organized  by the Tubao branch with support from the Community Development Program Unit. Twenty-six (26) participants (composed of 19 TSPI clients and seven non-clients) attended the five-days training held from July 23-27, 2012 at the Tubao Civic Center, Tubao,  La Union.

TSPI provided the necessary start-up kits containing hair scissors, thinning scissors, nipper, nail file, and nail polish, among others. By attending this training, the participants were able to complete the necessary Beauty Culture skills based on the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA*) requirements. In addition, inputs on how to start the beauty business and simple business recording was shared by the Branch Manager and Account Officer of the Tubao Branch.

The 26 participants also practiced creating nail designs using ice cream spoons.

TESDA – La Union  under the leadership of Director Marissa Alcantara  provided the necessary technical assistance by sourcing an accredited trainor for the skills training that is in line with their Community-based Livelihood Program.

The participants were able to complete the required outputs and requirements of the training and started to earn an income of Php 50.00 and up for each customer served.

Below are just some of the participants’ impressions after the training:

“I hope that what we learned will be developed further, especially our creativity. We hope also that we could be one of your models in your livelihood program (Magkaroon po sana ng development ang pinag-aralan naming at lalo pa naming mapalawak ng husto, lalo na ang pagka-creative ng bawat isa sa amin. At maging isa kaming model ng inyong livelihood program.)” – Dewanie V. Quisit, 30 years old, Lloren Tubao, La Union

“I am grateful for the teachings and for TSPI, for giving us a program like this; this is where I learned how to perform manicure services and how to cut hair (Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga turo sa amin at sa TSPI na sila ang nagbigay ng programa na katulad nito at dito ako natutunan kung paano magmanicure at maggupit.)” – Menerva Valenzuela, 33 years old, Tubao, La Union

The participants of the training in an actual manicure and pedicure session.

“I am giving my heartfelt thanks because I learned how to conduct manicure, pedicure and haircut services; thank you to TSPI for giving us livelihood programs (Taos puso ako nagpapasalamat dahil may natutunan ako kong paano mag manicure, predicure at haircut, salamat sa TSPI at nagbigay ng programang panghanapbuhay. Thanks.) – Jonalyn Viloria, 23 yeard old, Gonzales, Tubao, La Union

“I hope you will have more activities like these, that truly help us unemployed women. I hope also that you can help more people. Thank you very much for this opportunity that you gave us. God bless and more power to TSPI (Sana marami pa po kayong activities ng kagaya nito, makakatulong sa gaya naming mga kababaihan na walang trabaho. At sana maraming tao pa ang inyong matulungan. Marami pong Salamat sa oportunidad na binigay nyo sa amin. God Bless and more power po sa TSPI.)” – Mary Jean Ibanez, 28 years old, Lloren, Tubao,La Union

The 26 participants of the Beauty Culture training with the Sector Manager, Area Manager, Branch Manager, Community Development Supervisor, TESDA Director Marissa T. Alcantara, Staff and Trainor Ms. Cynthia Rimando.

“Thank you very much for giving us, members of TSPI, training programs like these. Such a big help in our livelihood (Maraming salamat po sa pagbibigay nyo sa aming mga member ng TSPI sa ganitong mga training program. Malaking tulong po sa aming pangkabuhayan.)” – Marygrace Molina, 41 years old, Linapew Tubao, La Union

With the support and encouragement from its dedicated staff and loyal clients, TSPI is determined to keep on providing livelihood opportunities like these for its clients, all for God’s glory.

*TESDA is the governing body responsible for the technical and vocational skills development and training of the country’s labor force.

This article was originally written by Mr. Fidel H. Castro, Community Development Supervisor for La Union and Baguio.