UNDERPRIVILEGED residents of Cebu City will soon have a place where they can undergo alternative livelihood workshops and training.
The City Council last week authorized Mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into and sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with a Japanese architecture and design group for the construction of a proposed P17-million workshop center in Barangay Lorega San Miguel.
In his approved resolution, Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. said Wakuwork Foundation, Inc. is eying the construction of a three-story building inside the old Lorega San Miguel Municipal Cemetery, which was converted into a socialized housing site in 2010.
An area of 450 square meters has been “identified, segregated, reserved and allocated” by the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor.
During last week’s regular session, Naotoshio Morizumi, Wakuwork founder, said they aim to provide the youth with seminars and workshops that will not only educate them, but equip them with the tools for employment.
Training courses that will be offered include culinary art, information technology and English lessons, among others.
Under the MOA, the foundation commits to build, operate, construct and maintain without cost to the City a highly conducive and well-equipped training facility.
A memorandum of understanding with the same terms and conditions was previously entered into by former mayor Michael Rama, but without a resolution from the council.
Although the City Government will allocate the parcel land where the center will be built, only the beneficial use of the site will be transferred and granted to Wakuwork.
The City will continue to own the site.