Press Release
PR No. ETA-05-2022

Jeddah PCG attends ITEST graduation program, underscores resiliency to graduates

Jeddah, 31 January 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) encouraged graduates of the various programs of the Innovative Technical Enhancement and Skills Training (ITEST), a Filipino-managed training center in Jeddah, to embody and live by the Filipino traits of resilience and flexibility in their quest for a better life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in other countries or back in the Philippines.

This was the message of Consul General Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian as conveyed by Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang to the graduates during ITEST’s 8^th Commencement Exercises on 28 January 2022 at the La Parilla Restaurant in Jeddah.

Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang (seated 4^th from left) representing Jeddah PCG at the commencement exercises of ITEST, which was founded by Ms. Noemi C. Perez (seated, 2^nd from left) and which is currently headed by its President Mr. Alimudin Kamama (seated, leftmost). Also in attendance at the program were Welfare Officer Ms. MArlyn Jamero (seated, 4^th from right), POLO-Jeddah Administrative Staff Mr. Wayne Tumaliuan (3^rd from right), OCL Director General Mr. Rolly Alano (2^nd from right), OCL Deputy Director General Mr. Marciano Par, Jr.(rightmost), and OCL Chairman Mr. Benny Tadilli (3^rd from left).

“Filipinos are known to be very resilient and flexible people, and these traits have helped us to easily cope with, and rise from, challenges such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as disasters such as typhoons, no matter how tumultuous and devastating they are. These traits are what Filipinos have also exhibited during difficult times in life. Instead of giving up, Filipinos looks for creative ways to overcome their current situation and to have a better chance at life,” Vice Consul Guiang said on behalf of Consul General Auxilian.

The training programs offered by ITEST are among the many courses offered by several training centers encouraged and supported by Jeddah PCG to further promote and enhance knowledge and skills of our OFWs in Jeddah and the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, as part of the reintegration program of the Philippine government for OFWs.

The twenty (20) graduates of ITEST’s various programs such as Massage Therapy, Cosmetology, Dressmaking, Graphic Design, Auto Cad, Secretarial, and CCTV, among others received their certificates of completion during the commencement exercises. The additional competencies gained by OFWs from such trainings may open alternative career options to the graduates. -END-