ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA — Sometimes, the simplest skills open the biggest doors. That's exactly what happened at Robinsons Balibago recently, where 92 participants gathered for a Puto and Kutsinta Making Training — a hands-on livelihood program designed to equip Angeleños with practical food preparation skills they can use to start small businesses and generate additional income for their families. And the turnout? A powerful reminder of how hungry people are for opportunities to improve their lives.
The Training That Empowered 92 Participants
The training was conducted by the Local Government of Angeles City through the Public Employment Service Office, led by PESO Manager Ferdinand P. Calma, with the session facilitated by Ms. Genevieve Petite Ibañez, who shared her knowledge and practical skills in preparing these beloved Filipino delicacies . From getting the right consistency to mastering the steaming process, participants learned the ins and outs of making puto and kutsinta—the kind of skills that can be turned into a business. What made this training truly special was the diversity of the participants, with 92 individuals from various sectors taking part, including overseas Filipino workers, KALIPI members, the LGBTQIA+ community, solo parents, and other individuals from Angeles City. It was a beautiful reminder that livelihood opportunities should be accessible to everyone—regardless of background, status, or circumstance.
Why This Matters for Angeleño Families
Puto and kutsinta are more than just snacks—they're staples of Filipino culture, familiar, comforting, and always in demand. But beyond that, they're opportunities. This training gives participants practical skills they can use immediately, a path to entrepreneurship with low startup costs and a ready market, a way to earn extra income for their families, and the confidence to take control of their financial future. For many participants, this is more than a training session—it's the beginning of something new. PESO Angeles City has long been at the forefront of skills development and livelihood programs in the city, continuing to promote inclusive livelihood opportunities for all Angeleños, economic empowerment through practical, marketable skills, and community development that starts from the ground up. It's not just about making puto and kutsinta—it's about giving people the tools to build a better life. To the 92 participants who showed up, learned, and invested in themselves: you are proof that small steps can lead to big changes. To PESO Angeles City and Ms. Genevieve Petite Ibañez: thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with the community. Skills learned today. Opportunities unlocked tomorrow.
