30 July 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales graced last July 27 the commencement exercises for graduates of the Skills Training Program (STP) offered by HOME Academy 2 at the Ban Heng Pavilion Restaurant, Harbour Front Centre, Singapore. The Ambassador was joined by his wife, Shirlene C. Mananquil, the Philippine Labor Attaché to Singapore and officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.
Some 150 graduates, mostly Filipinos, comprised the second batch of those who completed courses in caregiving, aromatherapy, baking, cooking, cosmetology, dressmaking and English. The first batch of graduates of HOME Academy 1 held their ceremony on July 6.
The event was made memorable by the presence of Ms. Bridget Tan, Founder and erstwhile Chief Executive of HOME. Ms. Tan is recovering from a stroke that she suffered last February. In her absence, the day-to-day affairs of HOME have been managed by a team headed by Mr. Jolovan Wham and a core of volunteers. Although Ambassador Morales has attended a number of events organized by HOME, this was the first time that he met Ms. Tan personally.
The Skills Training Program is managed by the Singapore-based Humanitarian Assistance for Migration Economics (HOME), one of the many charitable organizations that work for the welfare of foreign domestic workers in Singapore.
In his remarks, Ambassador Morales recognized Ms. Tan’s advocacy to promote the rights of migrant workers and thanked her for her continued partnership with the Philippine Embassy for this purpose. He also commended the graduates for investing their hard-earned money, time and effort to gain additional knowledge and learn new skills in their search for new and better livelihood opportunities in the future. He also conveyed his appreciation to the officers and members of HOME, employers, benefactors and friends and the volunteer teachers – for unselfishly sharing their time, expertise and support for the students.
While still physically nursing the effects of the stroke, Ms. Tan was able to convey her own appreciation to those who have contributed to HOME’s continued operations in her absence. She likewise recognized the strong support of the Philippine Embassy to HOME’s advocacy for migrant workers.
Philippine Ambassador Morales reiterated that the Philippine Embassy is a proud partner of HOME in its Skills Training Program and also in its advocacy of promoting the welfare of foreign domestic workers consistent with the Philippine Government’s thrust of maintaining strong collaboration with non-governmental organizations in the self-development of Filipinos at home and abroad. END