WITH construction works about to begin, the Carbon District Modernization Project is ramping up recruitment efforts in local communities for skilled and experienced workers.
Private partner Cebu2World Development Inc. (C2W) and its mother company, engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide, are continuing to prioritize applicants from the three Carbon District barangays, namely, Sr. Sto. Niño, San Roque and Ermita, for construction-related positions in Cebu province project sites, including Carbon.
Over 200 applications for various construction positions were received and processed last July. As part of the selection process, the respective barangay leaders reviewed the applications prior to endorsing to C2W. The endorsed applicants then went through the companies’ standard screening process and must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for a certain position.
This is part of C2W’s continuing commitment to supporting local talent. Last 28 May 2021, the company and local officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which prioritizes qualified candidates residing in the three barangays for employment and livelihood opportunities.
Consultations toward the development of collaborative corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects are also ongoing. Among the areas being explored are entrepreneurship and skills training options for barangay residents.
“It is a privilege for us to offer employment and livelihood opportunities to our partner-communities. Cebu has a wealth of talent, and through our Resource Mapping efforts, we also found that our three host barangays have a multitude of residents and small enterprises with capabilities that fit our project needs at Carbon, including the construction phase,” said Cristina Angan, C2W director.
She also reiterated C2W’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders in building local talent and resources.
“There are numerous possibilities for collaboration with Carbon’s existing businesses. For example, some carinderia operators from Carbon were invited to participate in the selection process for construction site meal providers. The chosen meal operators will not just have the opportunity to sell, they will also have the chance foradded training through our partnership with DTI and DOST,” she said.
Numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities are projected to be generated by the Carbon District Modernization Project over its lifetime.
The Carbon Modernization is designed to address decades-old challenges faced by the beloved district, such as flooding, vehicular traffic congestion, overcrowding, solid and liquid waste management issues, shortage of clean water supply and parking spaces, among others.
C2W is investing P5.5 billion for this project, which includes construction of a multi-level public market building, a Wholesaler’s Market, Boqueria, the Puso Village food and lifestyle strip, the Sto. Niño Chapel and Park. (PR)