28 solo mothers in the Municipality of Cordova successfully completed the ICT and Life Skills Training Program of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry(CCCI),  and the New Zealand Embassy Manila in collaboration with the CCCI Cordova Chapter, the Local Government Unit of Cordova, and the Department of Information & Communications Technology Visayas Cluster 2 office, on April 8 via Zoom.

As the last site of the ICT and LIFE SKILLS Training Program for Solo Mothers, the training took a setback last December when Super Typhoon Odette left a hair-raising memory which brought destruction to homes, properties, livelihoods at a time when everyone were already facing the societal and developmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the challenges, 28 resilient and empowered solo mothers finished the course with high hopes of finding opportunities with options either to join the workforce or continue their entrepreneurial stint in baby steps. 

The graduation ceremony was graced by the New Zealand Embassy Aid Programme Manager, Ms. Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez and Cordova Mayor, Hon. Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho. CCCI Cordova Chapter President, Engr. Sam Augusto, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the New Zealand Embassy and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce for engaging the chapter and capacitating them in implementing the program.

In his message, CCCI President Charles Kenneth Co encouraged the solo mothers to remain hopeful and inspired to overcome each obstacle in life. VP for Membership/Chamber Growth, Atty. Tomas Riveral closed the program with emphasis on the importance of a strong support system in helping a person overcome hardship and looking at the bright side of everything, especially for solo mothers. 

The ICT and LIFE SKILLS training program was made possible with the untiring support and patience of Ms. Claire Fernandez and Engr. Royden Rusiana as Lead and Co-Trainers, respectively, with Mr. Alexander Vincent Ruñez of AXL Trainings as the Life Skills trainer who generously shared their knowledge, expertise, support and encouragement to the solo mothers.

CCCI also extends its appreciation and gratefulness to Mr. Cesar Munez, President of San Roque College de Cebu, for providing the venue and internet access to the trainees. 

Special awards and commendations were given to six (6) exemplary graduates: 

• Joy Therese Baguio, Best in Curriculum Vitae 

• Mary Mayrene Lamis, Best in Google Presentation- 

• Alma Dungog, Best in Graphics Design Facebook Cover 

• Justine Dela Cerna, Best in Graphics Design - Facebook Post Template 

• Anna Jane Inoc, Most Popular Facebook Page and

• Karren Kay Cano, Best in Facebook Quote Story