Shoe-related subjects urged
The city government of Marikina is urging the government-run Marikina Polytechnic College to add shoe-related subjects to their Technology-Vocational education and skills training courses and train the next generation of shoe makers. In an e-mailed statement, Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman said that by adding subjects focusing on shoe-making and designing, students with skills and creativity can use their talents in starting a shoe business in the future. “We have to train our next generation of shoemakers for continuity in line with our resolve to revive our primary industry,” De Guzman said. The call was supported by Resolution no. 184, Series of 2011, which was authored by Councilor Susana Magtubo and recently approved by the city council. De Guzman said new courses on shoe-making would enliven the shoe industry, of which Marikina has been known. “The youth’s creative ideas may help the shoe industry become globally competitive in the world market once again,” the mayor said. De Guzman said the inclusion of shoemaking in the Tech-Voc courses will be in partnership with the Marikina Shoe Industry Development Council. Niña Calleja
Water for Binangonan folk
More East Zone customers from marginalized areas have gained access to 24/7 potable and affordable water service through Manila Water’s flagship program, the “Tubig Para Sa Barangay” (TPSB) or Water for the Community Project. The Mabuhay Homes, located in the mountainous area of barangays Darangan and Pantok, Binangonan, Rizal, is one of the latest communities to benefit from TPSB. Home to around 18,000 residents, Mabuhay Homes has long struggled with their water supply requirement. Before TPSB, residents used to fetch water from a deepwell source. During summer, when the deepwells are dry, residents would resort to vended water from delivery trucks.