85 Laura Vicuña Trainees Finish M.A. Course By: James U. Sy Jr.

85 trainees from the Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center (LVWDTC) completed their self defense course in Adino (Eznite) Combat and received their certificates of training last October 23, 2009 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The training was conducted by Founder/Master Romeo G. Banas of Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports, 7th Degree Black Belt, and Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society), 5th Degree Black Belt, both of whom had been part of Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center (LVWDTC) in molding the youth into better citizens for the past 6 years. The training usually starts during the last week of August or first week of September until October before the First Semester ends.

Some of the trainees were awarded certificate of rank promotion and certificates of recognition.
Those cited for their performances were Manny Barcelona, Ayiene Jemcs Gumawa, and Joemar Perje (Best in Arnis), Medalyn Latoza (Best in Adino Combat), Christine Alvarez and Arlene Diacono (Best in Sparring), Mary Rose Ababon (Best in Gun Disarming), and Alles Florentino and Mia Gardoce (Best in Bladed Weapon Disarming).

The sisters, faculty, and staff who gave support to the youth’s training were School Directress Sr. Marilu Villanueva, FMA, Technical Directress Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, School Treasurer Sr. Jacinta Inguillo, FMA, School Registrar Sr. Linda Villanueva, FMA, Marie Mae Jabatan-Ilisan, Ruby Ann Bayuran, Ruby Tupaz, Ma J V. Halea, Jonalyn Saludo, and Lendyl Seva.

The 85 graduates came from a total of 3 courses subdivided into 5 sections. Graduates for Commercial Cooking - Palomino were Sheilla Mae C. Aldas, Lourdes D. Alimon, Jenrose P. Almodiel, April Rose S. Alvarez, Ronald B. Ame, Johnna Mae B. Bedra, Valerie Ann G. Belandres, Elsie Q. Bustamante, Mariju Amor G. Ditchella, Arlene C. Espinosa, Ayiene Jemcs H. Gumawa, Junwin M. Junatas, Jeizon G. Pastor, Jessmar B. Perez, Michelle May F. Raboy, Rayzel A. Sadia, Gina P. Verbo, Kristine B. Villanueva, Rose Marie J. Villanueva, Elvy D. Villaruel, and Mylyn P. Zerrudo.

Graduates for Commercial Cooking - Morano were Cherry C. Aboyo, Chareza L. Alvarez, Rose An T. Beboso, Arlene C. Diacono, Riza A. Domogho, Nae D. Espinosa, Alles B. Florentino, Aira Mae B. Gulmatico, Rose Ann V. Lansangan, Angielyn S. Lobaton, Memcy D. Manong, Rose Ann S. Navarro, Johna M. Oquila, Christel Joy D. Pedrola, Joemar S. Perje, Joan O. Romal, Regie John E. Sermonia, Elizabeth P. Solatorio, John Carlo D. Tubida, Ben Henel B. Tumbaga, Jelyn C. Villanueva, and Lolita V. Villanueva.

Graduates for Office Technology - Valse were Ladel F. Absalon, Winona G. Beral, Lyzter Jun O. Castillo, Ricardo Cabrera, Ma. Melojane B. Dalmacio, Sherame A. Dumaicos, Elva A. Eballo, Mia G. Gardoce, Medalyn L. Latoza, Erlyn I. Maquilan, Albert P. Matrimonio, Meryl Marie F. Raboy, and Rachel Joy D. Tabanao.

Graduates for Office Technology - Romero were Mary Rose V. Ababon, Manny D. Barcelona, Ramelyn D. Belarmino, Micah Betita, Berlyn Joy Ann O. Castro, Shaira M. Detecio, Reah A. Dianala, Daina Rose A. Dumaicos, John Michael C. Francisco, Leslie Q. Jamandre, Jinx S. Mondejar, Romel T. Panggo, Ma. Althea G. Real, Jun Rey C. Reyes, and Catherine A. Tangayan.

Graduates for Garments Trade - Mazarello were Christine S. Alvarez, Ma. Nestlee S. Belgera, Cristina A. Camilo, Maricel B. Casama, Arjan Mae P. Castro, Rio Marie C. Copior, Dyna Joy D. Diadio, Lady Le P. Laurente, Mary Joy L. Libo-on, Bonna May A. Mapiscay, Pamela F. Monterde, Edna O. Recodo, Nilda O. Vargas, and Loreza N. Zaspa.

The Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center (LVWDTC) is a Tesda accredited institution catering primarily to the children of farmers in the nearby haciendas of Malihao, Victorias City, Cadiz City, Manapla, Sagay City, EB Magalona, Talisay City and as far as Bacolod City. The training center is offering one-year courses in Hotel and Restaurant Training Services which includes Competency Based Curriculum in Commercial Cooking and Housekeeping, Garments Trade - Dressmaking and Tailoring, and Front Office Services and Bookkeeping.

The Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Laura Vicuña Foundation work together in providing quality education through these courses which are the primary step to ensure immediate employment and upliftment of the students from poverty.

Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center is located at Hda. Malihao in Victorias City, an agricultural area surrounded by sugarcane about three kilometers away from Victorias Milling Company (VICMICO) and seven kilometers from the city proper. The center is now on its 10th year of operation.