Australian Ambassador Rod Smith and Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano attended an appreciation event at the Banilad Center for Professional Development hosted by the Foundation for Professional Training Inc. (FPTI). With the Ambassador had come the Australian Embassy’s 1st secretary Nicole Guihot and Mr. Titon Mitra, Minister Counselor of AusAid. Together with Reledev Australia Ltd., it has been of great help in Banilad Center’s recent project.

Welcoming all was Banilad Center’s fund development director Liza Marie Cabungcal and many others. Liza Marie pointed to us the two-story facility spacious enough to hold a simulacrum of a hotel’s front desk, and housekeeping.

For years now, the Banilad Center has implemented a poverty-alleviation program for young women from low income families. They are trained in various aspects of the hospitality industry, and they invariably get good opportunities for employment.

Benefactors sponsor their scholarships. On this occasion Secretary Ace Durano said there would be more funds coming from DOT. There was much applause to that, and expressions of gratitude from FPTI and Banilad Center.

There was a commemorative program wherein lunch was served by the girls who are undergoing training. As per printed leaflet two of them gave testimonials – Cendy Kho and Heart Pacana. Another testimonial came from Dottie Viajar Wurgler, director of operations at the Marriott Hotel.

The Marriott is one of the high-end establishments that trains and consequently employs these graduates. Also on that list are the Shangri-La in Mactan, Marco Polo, Plantation Bay, the Hilton, Waterfront Hotel, Casino Español, Café George and many more.

Most important of all, trainees are inculcated with work values through personalized mentoring.