Unilever Philippines and the town government of General Trias in Cavite have launched a livelihood partnership aimed toward providing additional income opportunities for local residents.
Called GentriAsenso, the community-based skills and livelihood program will profit a complete of 450 individuals, who will receive hands-on skills training, financial literacy workshops, and livelihood starter kits throughout the course of this system.
The initiative was formalized through a signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) 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 offer higher livelihood opportunities for our residents,” Luis “Jon-Jon” A. Ferrer IV, mayor of General Trias City, said in an announcement in Filipino.
For Unilever Philippines head of communications, corporate affairs, and sustainability Joseph R. Fabul, this system further strengthens the corporate’s partnership with the town 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],” Mr. Fabul said in an announcement.
Under the GentriAsenso program, the initiative is anchored on three components — Kaalaman (Educate), Kasanayan (Skills), and Kabuhayan (Livelihood) — and shall be rolled out through monthly barangay caravans across the town.
Each cycle will accommodate 75 enrollees, with a goal of 450 beneficiaries.
Participants will undergo orientation and hands-on training in hair care, beauty care, and cookery, alongside financial literacy sessions, livelihood starter kits, and post-training support.
Town mayor also committed to offer a P2,000 grant to all graduates as supplementary start-up capital.
Top trainees in each batch will receive money rewards and have their National Certificate Level II (NCII) assessment fees waived.
General Trias City is home to Unilever’s manufacturing facility, which produces the bulk, or 90%, of the corporate’s locally manufacturing products sold within the country.
The power, which opened in 2023, also produces select products for export to Southeast Asia, Australia, and North America. — Edg Adrian A. Eva