SMC upgrades Silang ‘Boystown’ facilities

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has committed to train underprivileged youth under the tutelage of “Boystown” in Silang, Cavite for technical jobs that could create new livelihood opportunities while boosting the skill sets needed by the country’s manufacturing sector.

Through packaging subsidiary San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp. (SMYPC), SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang vowed to continue helping indigent students in the care of the Sisters of Mary Schools–Adlas Inc. (Boystown) following SMYPC’s donation of manufacturing equipment and renovation of the school’s mechanical workshop. “Now more than ever, we need to produce bright, talented young minds that are central to driving the manufacturing sector forward. Through this program, we hope to raise the interest of the next generation of Filipinos and equip them with skills in modern technologies to make them industry-ready and self-reliant,” Ang said in a statement on Wednesday.

SMYPC and Mesco Inc., a partner for machine tools, donated two computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

CNC machining is a manufacturing process in which preprogrammed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. It can be used to control a range of complex cutting machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and routers.

Access to equipment

Both companies have committed to send a team of engineers and technicians to train the faculty members of the school on the operations and maintenance of the CNC machines. The faculty will then train students on the use of the machines. “Students need to have access to the equipment utilized in manufacturing today—to see, touch and operate them. The CNC machine is an example of a vital piece of equipment currently used in the industry,” said Ang.

“More than that, these students should have the opportunity to learn in a well-equipped facility in order to prepare them for their future careers. I hope our recent effort will do just that,” he added.

The renovated workshop now houses a new and improved classroom, a metal crafting facility, and an area for the CNC machines. More than 500 students under the school’s one-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training program will use the upgraded facilities this school year.

The Sisters of Mary Schools, established in 1985, has long been serving as school and home for deserving but indigent youth from underprivileged families. The school provides students free food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental services, and most importantly, secondary education.