Graduation

Baguio, Benguet,

Philippines

27 July 2009

We were involved this past week with two interesting activities. First, we were invited to attend the livelihood training graduation of the “Cell Phone Repair” class conducted in the Tarlac Stake building and second, the tour of a manufacturing plant (NB has not been in one for a full year) in Baguio.

Our Stake Employment Committee (SEC) office manager in Tarlac, Brother Pablo, has been active in committing the mayor’s office to provide livelihood training for our members in Cell Phone Repair and other worthwhile training. He was successful in requesting the training, signing up enough people to be trained and arranging the use of the building for the training. The class opened with 29 people and after two months 13 graduated and are certified Cell Phone Repairmen. Of the thirteen, eleven of them are members.

We were invited to attend the graduation along with the city dignitaries – Mayor, Vice Mayor, Provincial representative; the certifying agency – Technical, Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and the LDS church leaders. The proceedings were conducted by the Mayor’s office. As we arrived, NB was asked to say a few words of encouragement and in doing so told them they must build on what they have learned and that there was no limit on what they could do. He used the example of SM (Filipino company) as a company that started small and has grown into a mega company in Asia. The mayor, who as a young man was mentored by a member of the church, spoke favorably of the LDS church and the good they do for their members and the community. We were very impressed by the mayor and his positive comments.

The tour of the Moog Aircraft parts manufacturing plant was a treat for NB because it was the type of work he has done for so long. The smells and noises of the plant brought back many fond memories. Our tour guide was a member of the church who spent two hours with us telling us about all the operations, the self managed teams, team measurement tools, skill level evaluation, and where their products are used on the aircraft. They are a very progressive company and do so much for their employees here in the Philippines. We loved both opportunities to be with members and non-members alike.

Elder NB & Sister MB