Paulines Institute of Communications in Asia (PICA) Foundation recently concluded the Basic Office Skills Training Program for 2015 with the graduation of sixteen students on November 8, 2015 at the Paulines Communications Center in Pasay City.
The brainchild of Sr. Clothilde De Las Llagas, this educational outreach program aims to provide high school graduates who are not able to pursue their studies with the basic skills needed for office work and/or as a call-center agent. The latter being one of the more in-demand jobs in the country today.
Out of the 45 young people who enrolled in May 2015, sixteen students managed to attend the modules and complete all the requirements.
Sr. Pinky Barrientos, FSP Provincial Councilor, gave the inspirational message and awarded the certificate of completion to the graduates. She said: “Our founder, Blessed James Alberione, used to say that study is for life. It doesn’t stop because there is always a lot to learn in everything, in every experience, in every circumstances of our life. What is needed only is for us to open our eyes and mind to everything, to every opportunity that comes our way, and to have that willingness to learn.”
The whole graduating class presented a dance number to the delight of their loved ones, friends, instructors and teachers, and some of the sisters who were present. To showcase what they learned during the past six months, each of them also prepared a PowerPoint presentation about current social issues as a final project. This was shown during the program and the top three students were announced. Mark Anthony Agtarap, Ervin Salamanes and Arlene Lira gave a short speech expressing their gratitude and hope for a better future.
Mark Anthony said: “We, my classmates and I, are so lucky that PICA gave us a chance to learn basic office skills… You have equipped us all not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills and values, which we hope will make us better persons and valuable assets in whatever work we do after graduation.”
Ervin shared that his father died after he graduated from high school. Being the eldest, he had to do all types of jobs in order to help his mother provide for his other 6 siblings, one of whom was still to be born. That was eight years ago. Searching for a way to fulfill his dream of becoming an architect, he chanced upon the announcement of a free basic office course by PICA. He said: “I never imagined that this will be the answer to my prayer. I just needed to cross the street to grab God’s gift. It gave me hope that I can achieve my dreams, even though it seems impossible and difficult. I knew it was the Holy Spirit who guided me here.” Ervin was recognized as the best in computer student and received a 3-year-course scholarship from Datamex Computer School.
Arlene, a mother of two primary school children, said: “I can proudly say that PICA made a big difference in my life. Yes, this training program is an answer to my prayers. Finally, I was given a chance to become somebody. The knowledge I gained in this program is a great help to move forward in my life. I can’t believe that in spite of my age I would be given a chance to learn more.”
Another student who received a scholarship from Datamex Computer School is Mikaela Danica Rosatazo for being the most diligent and well-mannered student in this batch of graduates.
Gloria Jota, or Mommy Glo as she is fondly called, is a 60-year-old grandmother who received an award for her focus, drive and determination to continue learning in spite of her advanced age.
PICA also acknowledged the teachers who were present at the graduation ceremonies for their invaluable knowledge, expertise, and for their availability to help train these young people. Those present were: Mrs. Lorena Gallano Padilla, Miss Regine Areno, Kristoffer ‘Onin’ Martin, Sr. Rose Agtarap, Sr. Reajoy San Luis and Sr. Clothilde de las Llagas.
