LCP Mario Dionisio Jr.
The Rotary Club of Manila South in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Manila conducted a one-day livelihood skills training for the constituents of Barangay 743, Zone 80, District V, Malate, Manila. It was attended by 30 participants where majority of them were housewives. The training was entitled as “Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer Making Seminar”, a livelihood project which is geared not only towards economic and community development but also for disease prevention being one of the Rotary’s areas of focus. This was held on November 4 at Papa Tuts Singalong Resto Bar located at the corner of Singalong Street and Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.
The training was conducted by Mr. Marcelo C. Matias, Senior Training Specialist and Mr. Kim Sto. Domingo, Training Assistant, both from TESDA, Manila. It was facilitated by Barangay Chairman Felimon Tutica Jr. of Barangay 743, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Manila South. Also present during the said training were LCP Atty. Mario T. Dionisio, Jr. and Transformational President Marilyn Ibarra.
During the training, a short lecture was made on the importance of alcohol and hand sanitizer. It was also discussed to them the proper technique or way of using and when to use hand sanitizer to get rid of germs that can cause COVID-19. After the actual demonstration was made on how to mix the materials needed, the participants were divided into several groups to do the necessary workshop for the measurement and the preparation of the formula on their own. All materials used during the workshop were provided by TESDA Manila. The finished product of each group was then distributed to them after the said training.
The participants expressed their gratitude to the RCMS for taking the initiative and for sponsoring a livelihood and skills training in their community because according to them, learning something worthwhile like how to make hand sanitizer is very helpful and relevant especially during this trying times. They are aware that one of the best ways to stay healthy during the pandemic is the washing of hands with soap and water. But if those aren’t available, alcohol or hand sanitizer could be of great help to get rid of the germs that can cause COVID-19.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people have begun to stockpile their homes with supplies that will help them disinfect and prevent the spread of viruses. As the number of cases increases, many stores are running low on supplies of alcohol and hand sanitizer. Thus, the training is indeed very timely as it will not only protect and prevent them from the spread of viruses but also create a potential livelihood enterprise for them. With the skills they had acquired during the training, participants can now make a home-made product and sell them to their relatives or friends in the community.