A successful collaboration between the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Surigao del Norte State University (SDSU) marked the implementation of the Skills Training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Held at the Bahay Pag-Asa Transition Home Center and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Anomar, Surigao City, the program aimed to provide residents with technology-based skills for empowerment and personal development The partnership, which began in 2019, focused on equipping the residents of Bahay Pag-Asa with practical competencies to enhance their opportunities for reintegration into the community. The training, conducted over multiple sessions on November 7-9, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, and December 5-6, 2024, was part of the BMET-WAF/BSIT WAF Program of the College of Technology.

The opening session was led by key officials from the City Social Welfare and Development Office, including Ms. Lenie S. Liray, RSW, and Assistant CSWDO Mr. Kevin Salar, RSW. Representatives from Bahay Pag-Asa, such as the center head, Ms. Joan B. Rapisura, and other care managers, were also present. The BMET faculty was well-represented, with Program Chair Dr. Rene C. Tan and Community Extension Project Leader Mr. Donald C. Salvador participating alongside extension coordinator Kenneth Charles E. Ferol. The program commenced with an overview of the goals and objectives, highlighting the importance of technical training in promoting self-sufficiency and resilience among the residents. Mr. Rewell Subang, a faculty extensionist of the BMET program, underscored the role of technical skills in fostering economic independence.

The training sessions covered theoretical and practical modules on shielded metal arc welding, with a focus on safety protocols, proper equipment handling, and hands-on welding exercises. Participants actively engaged in the activities, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and apply the skills. The comprehensive curriculum not only provided technical know-how but also aimed to instill confidence and discipline in the trainees. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to gain marketable skills. The Skills Training on SMAW concluded as a resounding success, with the collaboration between SDSU and CSWDO making a meaningful impact on the lives of the Bahay Pag-Asa residents. The program’s achievements were made possible through the commitment and coordination of the faculty, social workers, and support staff. This initiative serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and skills development in fostering hope and self-reliance among vulnerable populations.