MONTALBAN, Rizal (PIA) – Single mothers were given a new skillset that they may use for livelihood, as they graduateed from the 40-hour general virtual assistance training course by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – Rizal and the municipal government of Montalban, Rizal.

The training initiative specifically targeted single mothers from various barangays in Montalban. While an initial 30 participants embarked, only 15 individuals emerged triumphant, earning the title of "Tech Inays," with eight participating mothers recognized as top-performing students.

DICT said that the session marks the outset of a broader vision in mainstreaming information, communication, and technology (ICT) in Montalban, and to kick-start Filipinos’ entrepreneurial endeavors with confidence.

During the graduation ceremony for the program on April 5, Cornelio Luib, the officer-in-charge of the Montalban Municipal Information Technology Office said that the objective also aims to provide new employment opportunities or leverage their newfound skills to generate income.

"Our primary focus in this training is to assist mothers in adapting to the rising demand for virtual and online jobs," Luib said.

He encouraged participating mothers to cherish their acquired knowledge and continually strive for personal enrichment, not only for their own benefit but also to serve as sources of inspiration and assistance to their community.

Arlene Reyes Martillano, a standout graduate from Barangay Rosario and a top-performing student during the training, shared her experiences and said that it renewed a spark of passion in her as a mother.

"Given my background in the food industry and venturing into entrepreneurship, the skills I acquired have been instrumental in enhancing my advertising strategies and expanding my market reach," Martillano reflected.

DICT is committed to holding more training sessions that the public can enjoy and utilize, especially in developing their digital skills.

"Through sheer determination and under the mentorship of our trainers and the collective effort of the Montalban team, these graduates have successfully completed the course. This is just the beginning; we envision more training sessions catering not only to mothers but to individuals from all walks of life," DICT Rizal provincial officer Zendie Monea Sollano-Cabanlong said. (MBIL, PIA – Rizal)