Published at The Philippine Star, Vol. XXI No. 41, September 7, 2006

Hair Asia presented its plan to assist in the Guimaras clean-up efforts to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the other day at Malacañang.

The President entertained Hair Asia Foundation chairwoman Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz in the Music Room. Among those present were Presidential Chief of Staff, Sec. Mike Defensor; Vice Admiral Arthur Gosingan of the Philippine Coast Guard; Candaba Mayor Gerry Pelayo; Mabalacat Mayor Boking Morales; Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Villanueva; San Simon Mayor Digos; PIHA's Les Reyes and HACAP's Tess Atienza

Evelyn emphasized that the Hair for Guimaras projects are "far from just being another hair collection drive."

Earmarked for the third week of the month, the Hair Asia Foundation will conduct livelihood training for over 40,000 people who were deprived of their primary source of income by the environment catastrophe.

"We will not only present them with alternative sources of livelyhood but we will also assist them in getting jobs after the training," said Evelyn.

President Arroyo instructed the TESDA Director Syjuco to assist the foundation in setting up the livelihood training in the coastal towns of Guimaras Island.