ISABEL, Leyte- Watch out for the opening of the first of a kind training academy probably in Leyte. It is an opportunity for out- of- school youths, especially high school graduates who remain jobless but has the capability, desire and ambition to earn short-term technical courses that are in demand both here and abroad.
The Purisima Training Academy will officially be launched on September 8 at Barangay Bilwang, some 10 kilometers before entering the center of Isabel. The academy was conceived by a successful businessman and known philanthropist Engr. Saylito Mondales Purisima whose primary objective is to help poor out- of -school youths so they can be equipped with technical skills to arm them in their venture of job seeking viable employment both here and abroad. He is the owner/proprietor of the SMP Engineering Works that is engaged in infrastructure, waterworks installation and other contracts servicing Leyte, Cebu and Palawan clientele. He also takes charge of the engineering works in Palawan.
Included in the plan is for the academy officials to assist graduates land a job after their training. Engr. Purisima will even accommodate prospective and interested enrollees who are extremely poor and therefore cannot pay the training fees for the program via the enroll now-pay later scheme. Purisima has experienced hardships in his student days by finishing his course as a working student the reason why he has a very soft heart to the youth who dreams of a better future.
The launching will be graced by officials from the TESDA (Technical Education, Skills Development Authority) as the academy will be getting technical assistance from the agency in the course of its implementation of the trainings. Also officials from the Department of Education will also be in attendance to inform prospective secondary graduates who may not be able to pursue college education and who may just choose technical education for immediate employment. Formal classes are to start a day following the launching of the training center. The academy’s offering include welding, shield metal art welding (SMAW) NCI and NCII, pipe fitting and some others that will come out in demand as the institution progresses.
A reasonable training fee will be collected for at least a three week period of training depending on the course chosen. The actual implementation will be adequate number of sessions inside the classroom but most of the training activities will be a “hands- on” approach or actual practicum within the vicinity of the SMP Engineering Works Compound. (ALVIN GZ.ARPON)
