A total of 2,074 graduates received on Tuesday, Nov. 22, their certifications after completing the technical-vocational and computer literacy programs offered by the Pasig City local government.

Specifically, 712 graduated from the Barangay Computer Literacy Program, and 1,362 graduated from the 19 programs offered by the Pasig City Institute of Science and Technology (PCIST) – Bambang Campus.

The “Certification Day” ceremonies for the BCLP and PCIST, the first to be held since the start of the pandemic in 2020, were held at the Pasig Sports Center (BCLP) and Tanghalang Pasigueño, respectively.

They were attended by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., the city councilors, and the officials of the PCIST.

The BCLP offered training courses on basic, intermediate, and advanced computer concepts such as the use and mastery of the Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint). It also included a photo and graphic enhancement program wherein learners were taught softwares like Adobe Photoshop and basic web page designs.

The BCLP graduates included out-of-school youth, students, and local government workers. Sotto noted the learners were as young as eight and as old as 68 years old, earning their certifications.

Since it was the first on-site graduation ceremony, the local government also included those who began the program from 2019 and may have finished before 2022 along with the BLCP’s actual fresh graduates.

Meanwhile, the PCIST is an educational institution, accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), that offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

Among the TVET programs offered are Beauty Care Services (Nail Care), Cookery, Electronics Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS), Hairdressing, Hilot Wellness Massage, Massage Therapy, Housekeeping, Barista, and Bread and Pastry Production.

The graduates enrolled in the PCIST campuses in Barangays Manggahan and Sta. Lucia were not yet included in Tuesday's ceremony.

Aside from the nationally recognized accreditation certificates, each graduate was given a starter kit.

Mayor Sotto hailed the graduates, saying the city’s technical-vocational programs are back in full force.

“Siniseryoso po natin at ginagawa nating prioridad ang PCIST, mga livelihood training dahil naniniwala po tayo na isa ito sa mga susi para sa malakas na lokal na ekonomiya, para tumaas ang employment rate at kapsidad ng ating mga mamamayan (We are prioritizing our PCIST and livelihood programs because we believe that it is one of the keys to a stronger local economy, to increase the employment rate and capacity of our citizens),” Sotto said.

Equipped with the skills and knowledge they acquired, Sotto hoped the graduates will use them in their future occupations and endeavors, especially to contribute to the city’s progress.

“Don’t stop learning,” urged Vice Mayor Jaworski to the graduates, who were an assortment of generations from the youth to senior citizens.

“Habang kayo’y nandito sa mundo, dapat sikapin natin lahat matuto pa. Napakaraming impormasyon at pagkakataon na pwede pa natin payamanin, hindi lang ang ating bulsa pero ang ating isipan (While you are here in this world, we should strive to learn more. There are so much information and opportunities that we can enrich ourselves with. Riches not only to fill our pockets, but also our minds),” Jaworski said.

“Pag tayo ay marunong at mayroong karunungan, magagamit natin ito sa kabutihan ng buong komunidad (When we are capable and have knowledge and wisdom, we can use these for the good of our communities),” he added.