Unilever Philippines, General Trias ink livelihood partnership to train more than 400 citizens
Unilever Philippines and the city government of General Trias in Cavite have launched a livelihood partnership aimed at providing more income opportunities to local residents.
Called GentriAsenso, the skills and livelihood program will benefit a total of 450 people, who will receive skills training, financial workshops, and livelihood resources during the program.
The move was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between Unilever Philippines and the General Trias City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) in March.
“GentriAsenso shows how the private and public sectors can work together to provide better livelihood opportunities for our residents,” Luis “Jon-Jon” A. Ferrer IV, mayor of General Trias City, said in a statement in the Philippines.
For Unilever Philippines head of communications, business, and sustainability Joseph R. Fabul, the program also strengthens the company’s relationship with the city government.
“Ang goal natin mas maraming skills, mas maraming hanapbuhay, at mas maraming pag-angat.” [Our goal is to create more skills, more job opportunities, and greater upliftment],” said Mr. Fabul in a statement.
Under the GentriAsenso program, the program is based on three components – Kaalaman (Educate), Kasanayan (Skills), and Kabuhayan (Livelihood) – and will be distributed through monthly barangay caravans throughout the city.
Each cycle will accommodate 75 applicants, with a target of 450 beneficiaries.
Participants will be trained in hair care, beauty care, and cooking, as well as financial literacy sessions, resources to start a business, and post-training support.
The city mayor also pledged to provide a grant of P2,000 to all graduates as a start-up fee.
Top trainees in each batch will receive cash prizes and have their National Certificate Level II (NCII) examination fees waived.
General Trias City is home to Unilever’s manufacturing facility, which produces the majority, or 90 percent, of the company’s locally produced products that are sold in the country.
The facility, due to open in 2023, also produces some products for export to Southeast Asia, Australia and North America. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
