Events: Grande Computer Center Lauded for its Skills’ Training Program

NDBEditor-in-Chief Ruperto G. Toga yesterday lauded Grande Computer & Training Center, Inc. for having raised the number of its graduates to a total of over one thousand since its latest batch of 29 computer trainees received their diploma during rites at Brgy. Handumanan, Bacolod City.

Toga was guest speaker when the 16th batch of computer trainees graduated from a three-month study at the St. Ezekel Moreno Multi-purpose Hall in Brgy. Handumanan, Bacolod City.

NDB Ed-in-Chief Pert Toga addresses graduates of the Grande Computer Outreach and Training Center, Inc. during their Batch 16th commencement exercises yesterday in Brgy. Handumanan, Bacolod City. Seated infront (right) is WHO Streegan* (HJToga photo)

The training program, offered free to the out-of-school and jobless youths belonging to low-income families, has provided new hopes & opportunities to unemployed residents here who are now qualified to apply for better-paying job positions needing skilled manpower with the corresponding certificates from the Technical Skills & Development Authority (TESDA).

Main donors of Computers for Grande Computer Outreach and Training Center Rick and Ester Zander (4th & 5th from right) pose with, from left - NDB’s WHO Streegan, Dr. Ernesto A. Palanca, Dr. Zenda Ibrado, Guest Speaker Ruperto G. Toga, the Zander couple, Elizabeth Jocson & Juvy Pepello (HJG Toga photo)

In his commencement address, the NDB Ed-in-Chief said that the graduates have undergone a thorough study and training to become well-rounded computer specialists, “whose expertise now qualify them to handle practically everything that ails a computer and how these units can be made more functional and attuned to the needs of modern studies and communications involving science and technology.” He said this development enables the young trainees “to answer the demands of the fast-emerging world into the realm of cyberspace and the internet.”

Batch 29 graduates of NFSP Sugar Workers Foundation Technical Skills Training Center pose with instructors and guests.*

The now computer-literate trainees, it was pointed out, were trained adequately in basic computer operation and hardware servicing. For a period of three months, the students were trained “to dismantle and assemble the computer hardware, among others.”

Before they could graduate, the students should first master the techniques and basis for qualifying them to graduate and find good-paying jobs, put up their own repair shop for computers and serve clients through home service.

Responsible for the free computer servicing studies for Out-of-School youths is Engineer Eddie Granada, a charismatic and no-nonsense talent in the field of computer hardware, a man destined to become a legend in computer hardware and technology. A philanthropist and a visionary beyond compare, Granada deserves the full support of everyone as more and more qualified manpower resources take advantage of the laudable training program being spearheaded by the training center staff lead by the founder himself and president, Engineer Granada.
Ably assisting Granada are the other equally hardworking and competent officers of the center, namely, Mrs. Elizabeth Jocson, Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Emma Resumadero, Vice President for Internal Affairs-USA; Eduardo Diploma, Vice President for External Affairs-USA; Raylan Mondragon, Vice Chairman for External Affairs-Italy; Felimon Jocson, Vice Chairman, External Affairs-USA; Guifin Acuña, Secretary; Belen Locsin, Treasurer; and the following Board Members: Atty. Hope Depasucat, Mary Ann Diño, Juvy Pepello, Llowen Miraflor, Clarita Tumpag, Dr. Zenda Ibrado; Thea Mae Diño, Jonas Caballero, Dr. Ernesto Palanca and Serafin Granada, Jr., with Atty. Reynaldo Depasucat as Legal Counsel and Ms. Edith B. Colmo, Executive Counsel.

This year’s theme of the graduation is: “Education Has No Limits.” Among the VIP guests during the program were- Bacolod Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, former Bacolod Rep. Monico O.Puentevella, former City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. donors of around 50 computers, American couple Rick and Ester Zander, Mrs. Linda G. Divino, president/school head, Hini-garan Institute, former Councilor Blandino Galinato of Victorias City, Dr. Ernesto Palanca of the Negros Occ. Drug Rehab Center, NDB’s W. Henry O. Streegan, editorial consultant/columnist; Edith B. Colmo, NDB news reporter; NDB sports staff & photo-journalist, H. James G. Toga and Marijo Aguirre with some other out-of-town guests and residents of Brgy. Cabug, Bacolod City.*