NUVALI, the 1,700 hectares eco-community in Sta. Rosa and Calamba Laguna developed by Ayala Land, is the first sustainable mixed-use master planned community. Guided by three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social, NUVALI takes action to positively impact the greater Laguna area. As part of its social sustainability commitment, NUVALI strives to empower residents of Laguna as it celebrated the graduation of some 90 students from its “May Kabuhayan” livelihood program.
Spearheaded by the NUVALI team of Ayala Land, “May Kabuhayan” is a collaboration between the the Laguna government units to provide skills training to the residents of the surrounding barangays of Sto. Domingo, Canlubang, Carmen and Don Jose.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the primary human resource development arm of the government, was tapped to develop the course and conduct the trainings. The barangay chairpersons were also actively involved in the ensuring the fit of the courses, and success of the training program. With the inputs of the barangay leaders, courses were identified and customized appropriate to the needs of the residents.
Identified as the most in-demand courses by the residents, initial offerings are landscaping and gardening, massage therapy and cosmetology. The courses took 4 hours per session, and were conducted weekly in the local areas of the barangays.
The barangay chairpersons have begun to recognize the many benefits the May Kabuhayan program. “This will be a big help to the families in the community because it teaches them how to help themselves and not just rely on others,” said Canlubang Brgy. Chairperson Eric Manaig. “And not only does it benefit those who are unemployed but even the sole breadwinners because during these times, one job may not be enough to support a whole family.”
The May Kabuhayan Program is an enabler for the barangay residents by providing training, support and employment opportunities. “Social sustainability is one of the three pillars of NUVALI and part of that commitment is to provide equal opportunities for everyone, giving them enough training and the skills to secure themselves financially and hopefully open opportunities for them to participate in the development of NUVALI” explained John Estacio, NUVALI Vesta Operations Manager.
“May Kabuhayan is our way of giving back to the people of the different barangays by offering proper skills training to those who need it. The program does not only benefit the individuals going through the course, but the community as a whole as we create more jobs and livelihood opportunities that can help them support their families.”