AT LEAST 50 Aeta trainees from communities near Clark Freeport recently completed the Livelihood Training on Soap Making organized by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

Through the state-owned firm External Affairs Division’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, the trainees finished the four-day training session which aims to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship to small medium enterprises (SMEs) and usher in more livelihood opportunities for residents in the contiguous areas of the Freeport.

Meanwhile, a culminating activity was also held to recognize the effort of the participants in completing the program.

CDC president and CEO Noel Manankil with CDC chairman Jose De Jesus cited the trainees for their commitment throughout the course of the program.

During the ceremony, CDC Vice President for Administration and Finance Mariza Mandocdoc also led the awarding of certificates of completion to the trainees.

CDC director Nestor Villaroman, Jr., CDC assistant vice president for External Affairs Rommel Narciso, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Pampanga director Elenita Ordoño were also present during the said event.

The Department of Trade and Industry likewise supported the livelihood initiative while personnel from Natural Verde – a maker of natural handmade soap and shampoo bar, facilitated the training proper. Trainees were taught to utilize natural ingredients and materials to create soap products using turmeric, oatmeal, malunggay, and guava among others.

Aside from the livelihood projects, CDC-EAD is also conducting various initiatives on health, employment and other special projects and partnership which are all geared towards inclusive development.