The City Government of San Fernando continues to empower recovery champions of the Lakas ng Pagbabago (LNP) program of the City. Since 2016, it has been LNP’s goal to usher individuals away from substance abuse and lead them to a more productive and rewarding way of living.

Thus, the LNP conducted a 5-day livelihood training-seminar to 70 LNP recovery champions at the Barangay Poro covered court. Present during the training-seminar was Ms. Beverlou M. Borja, LNP coordinator together with the LNP staff.

The training started last Monday, February 15, 2021 with morning and afternoon sessions to adhere to minimum health standards and ensure proper social distancing.

During the first day, the recovery champions were enjoined in an Entrepreneurial Mindset workshop discussed by Saint Louis College professor, Ms. Juanita Gabriel.

On its second day, Mr. Mark Latoja of the same academic institution discussed Introduction to Marketing.

The champions were also trained how to keep track of the financial transactions of their businesses in a Basic Bookkeeping seminar by Commission on Higher Education Accountant II Mr. Immanuel Munar.

The City Local Economic and Business Development Office through Ma. Theresa Garcia, also took part in the livelihood training through a seminar on how to manage small businesses like sari-sari stores, rice stalls, and food carts.

On its last day, Hog Raising, Goat Raising and Chicken Breeding was discussed by Ms. Ernestine Estillore of the City Veterinary Office, and Aquaculture by Mr. Nickson Patrick Tomines, City Fisheries Coordinator.

After the training-seminar, the recovery champions will also be given assistance to start their own livelihood.

City Mayor Hermenegildo “Dong” Gualberto who was present during the last day of the seminar reminded the recovery champions to value this second chance. LNP is one of Mayor Dong’s special projects which he greatly values. He believes that our City should be a home where we do not banish our people who may have done wrong, rather we foster them, listen to them, and empower them.

Our goal of #SanFernandoTayo means building back up our City and our people. This includes our continued commitment to usher back our brothers and sisters who may have gone astray.