Villar SIPAG sponsors training on haircutting and beauty care
for distressed OFWs

The Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) sponsored a 2-day training on haircutting and beauty care for distressed overseas Filipino workers.

In partnership with Reyes Haircutters, Inc., 80 participants coming from Taguig, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Las Pinas were trained on basic haircutting and beauty care (foot spa, manicure, pedicure).

"Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating programa para matulungan ang mga OFW na nais magkaroon ng kabuhayan sa Pilipinas. Ito ang tulong natin sa mga OFW na nagkaroon man ng masamang karanasan sa ibang bansa ay nagkaroon ng oportunidad na makapagsimula muli," Sen. Cynthia Villar, director of Villar SIPAG, addressed the trainees at the Laurel House in Mandaluyong City.

After the 2-day program, trainees will have the option to continue as Reyes Learning Institute scholars for 20-day courses. Those who will complete the intensive training will be guaranteed a job by Reyes Haircutters in branches preferred by the beneficiary or may opt to start their own salon business.

The training program is open to previously distressed OFW; victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; currently unemployed or does not engage in any business; and have not availed of any livelihood assistance from government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, Department of Social Welfare and Development, etc.

Villar SIPAG, the foundation initiated by the Villar Family and also the corporate social responsibility arm of real estate giant Vista Land, has been providing repatriation, livelihood, financial and medical assistance to OFWs in distress.

At the Senate, Villar authored Senate Bill No. 146 or the bill seeking to create the Department of Migration and Development that will put in one roof the agencies mandated to support 12 million Filipinos overseas.

The bill also seeks to create the P1-billion Special Assistance Revolving Fund for Filipino Migrants, including both documented and undocumented. It will be used for emergency repatriation; medical expenses; immigration penalties; legal assistance; payment of blood money; humanitarian assistance to families left behind; scholarships for children of Filipinos overseas; maintenance and operational expenses including capital outlay for the establishment of One-Stop Migrant Processing and Assistance Centers.