32 Filipino women complete livelihood training seminar

Ronaldo Z. Concha
Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Thirty-two Filipino women in the Kingdom became the latest batch to benefit from the livelihood training seminar that recently concluded here.

Organized and conducted by the Kapit-Bisig OFW Cooperative, one of the active Filipino organizations in Jeddah, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) took short courses in several fields such as hair and beauty, massage therapy, fashion design and dressmaking.

The OFWs, most of who work as domestic helpers, received diplomas upon finishing the courses in a graduation ceremony held at the Laparilla Restaurant last Friday.

Sarah Paraluman Atienza, the group’s current chairwoman, said the courses were conducted over three months, and aimed at developing the talents of every participant in the field of their respective interest.

Atienza said countless OFWs had benefitted from the courses which started in 2003.

“We will continue to do hold these livelihood training courses as much as we can to help our fellow OFWs acquire skills that will be useful to them in earning extra income,” she said.

Atienza added that one of the Filipinas who participated in massage therapy course is now working for a princess in a Middle Eastern country. She said that the other nationalities had also participated in the courses and a recent graduate was from Eritrea.

Special guest from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr., commended Kapit-Bisig OFW for a job well done.

“The consulate is very happy for a Filipino group like the Kapit-Bisig OFW for providing a great service to its fellow compatriots. If not for them, we would find it hard to carry out such activities,” Ausan said.

He urged the group to continue its service and said the consulate is always there to support their endeavors.

The graduates

Hair and Beauty: Amefil H. Suplito, Aisa S. Aladin, Bilinda A. Sing, Fatima A. Bayam, Fairodz A. Watamama, Flocerfida M. Erpelua, Gloria L. Valles, Maricel B. Aguinaldo, Merly A. Nonog and Rosalyn S. Sawadjaan.

Massage Therapy: Analiza O. Yacub, Cristina C. Santos, Dominga M. Pancho, Divina M.Coprada, Dahima M. Gandi, Dahlia S. Lorenzo, Gretchen V. Corpus, Jerry P. Masdoc, Jocelyn B. Roman, Merevic M. Namion, Miguela V. Matias, Melanie M. Naguit, Maricel M. Matapias, Ma. Mila Wela F. Gabilan, Regina T. Caponpon, Teresita B. Varde, Yolanda E. Grutas.

Fashion Design: Rozen Azulis and Dolores B. Bernardo

Dressmaking: Nejat Mohammed Kiar Ibrahim, Rubelyn B. Dizon, Gloria N. Fabillar, Norlito C. Bumatay

2011-2012 Kapit-Bisig OFW Officers: Paraluman T. Atienza, Chairwoman; Noemi C. Perez, Vice Chairwoman; Norma A. Pedregosa, Treasurer; Lourdes Orcales, Asst. Treasurer; Elizabeth R. Apuyan, General Secretary; Analiza Bernardino, Asst. Secretary; Jefrey S. Estrada, Auditor; Evelyn Megrino, Asst. Auditor; Jibril William D. Reyes, Business Manager; Emelyn M. Imfa Asst. Buss. Manager; Cornelio L. Baguan, Teresita Dotimas, Jessica R. Zomil, Estrellita Relos, Offelia P. Guevara, Myrna Martizana, Meriam Paluntungan and Daisy P. Cortez, PRO.