TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH BEAUTY : L’ORÉAL, MARIKINA AND MANILA LGUs PARTNER TO TRAIN 54 NEW PROFESSIONAL HAIRDRESSERS

Beauty for a Better Life Program

L'Oréal Philippines recently wrapped up a second iteration of the Beauty for a Better Life Program (BFBL), which provides free professional hairdressing instruction to those in vulnerable social or economic circumstances in partnership with the municipal governments of Marikina and Manila.

Fifty-four (54) citizens of Marikina and Manila successfully started their careers as professional hairdressers During the graduation ceremony held on December 15 at the Marikina Convention Center. The event marked the end of three months of rigorous training, an internship in partner salons, and a competency evaluation.

BFBL, a global vocational beauty training program by Fondation L'Oréal, was introduced in the Philippines in 2017 to enhance the lives of vulnerable people everywhere using work or entrepreneurship. Throughout the program, 423 graduates from the Philippines, ages 18 to 50, have received assistance in upskilling and pursuing employment as professional hairdressers. Co-developed by L'Oréal Philippines' Professional Products Division, the BFBL program aims to improve the salon and hairdressing business in the country.

“At L’Oréal, we believe that beauty can be a force of good. As you stand here today, you are not just graduates but professional hairstylists. More than the certificate and hairdressing tools, what you gained today is quality education that can reshape your future and help you create a better life one cut or color at a time.” said Krhizzy Pasigan, L’Oréal Philippines Corporate Affairs and Engagement Director, as she addressed the newest batch of BFBL graduates during the graduation ceremony.

The influence of the curriculum extends beyond the acquisition of new skills, as each graduate has a fascinating and distinct story of empowerment via beauty. For the majority of the graduates, a career in hairdressing and hairstyling has been a lifelong ambition. This is especially true for the two who graduated first in their class and are now well-positioned for successful careers in the beauty business.

Ailene Solitas, 45 years old, Marikina City Valedictorian

BFBL Marikina City Valedictorian Ailene Solitasma (second from left) on stage with L’Oréal Philippines Corporate Affairs and Engagement Director Krhizzy Pasigan (leftmost), Marikina City Congresswoman Marjorie Ann Teodoro (second from right), and City of Manila Chief Labor & Employment Officer Elsa Fajardo (rightmost).

Just three months ago, Ailene Solitas, identified herself as a stay-at-home mom, managing household chores and caring for her family within the confines of a simple and routine life. The opportunity to join the BFBL program came at a time when she needed it the most as she had been dealing with the loss of a loved one and spiraling into depression. Ailene aspired to align her life with her goals, and this desire began to take shape in her three-month training. Because of this, she was determined to make the most out of this opportunity and she was amazed at the transformation she and her life had gone through.

During her valedictorian speech, Ailene made a promise to herself and her trainers that the skills she acquired through the program would be utilized meaningfully. This fresh opportunity wasn’t solely for her benefit; it was a chance to create a positive change for both her and her family. The three-month program profoundly alerted her perspective. For Aileen, it wasn't just about acquiring new skills; it was the inception of a future where her expertise could genuinely make a difference.

Carol Abong, 46 years old, City of Manila Valedictorian

BFBL City of Manila Valedictorian Carol Abong (second from left) on stage with L’Oréal Philippines Corporate Affairs and Engagement Director Krhizzy Pasigan (leftmost), Marikina City Congresswoman Marjorie Ann Teodoro (second from right), and ECity of Manila Chief Labor & Employment Officer Elsa Fajardo (rightmost).

Carol Abong’s journey through BFBL marked the beginning of a promising and hopeful future. Before the program, she had already been working from home as a nail and lash technician, but she always dreamt of doing something more – such as hairdressing. However, Carol did not know where to begin and according to her, this opportunity was an answered prayer that will equip her with skills that can help her become a channel of blessing to people’s lives. Reflecting on her path to graduation, she acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties, and more importantly, the numerous opportunities for professional growth and self-discovery. Carol expressed, “During our hands-on training, I had very mixed emotions — excited for the end result yet nervous, ensuring I followed every step being taught.”

In alignment with the program’s commitment, it offered Carol hope, allowing her to envision a beauty career to share with others. It goes beyond personal success; now, she can bring beauty not only to appearances but also to the lives of those around her. Carol expressed gratitude, stating, “As we ended the three-month training, I am grateful that the Carol Abong, who used to have zero knowledge on hairdressing, can now confidently cut my kids’ hair and color my friends”. After graduating at the top of her class, Carol is hopeful and inspired to take her career further, adding hairdressing to her home service offers and already having clients lined up during this holiday season just a few weeks after graduation.

A fulfilling career after Beauty for a Better Life training

BFBL Batch 3 graduate Nhelyressa de Guzman addressing the new batch graduates during the ceremony

Nhelyressa de Guzman, a previous Beauty for a Better Life graduate, also addressed this year’s batch with her story. Nhelyressa graduated in 2018 and five years later, she is now an Assistant Manager at one of the biggest salon chains in the Philippines and is currently training to be a Senior Stylist. She can help her husband provide for their family financially and save for their children’s future. Nhelyressa also looks back on her previous life when she was unemployed and had no knowledge of the industry she was about to enter. “Hindi naging madali ang buhay after graduation, pero walang imposbile basta may pangarap ka,” [Life after graduation was definitely not easy, but as long as your dreams are intact, possibilities will always be there.] she shared.

Because of this opportunity, not only did Nhelyressa have stable and regular employment, but she was also equipped with the skills and confidence to start her own business — she had created a small area in her home where she could take clients in on her days off as well. This determination comes from her trainers’ advice to keep going as long as you still can. “Sinasabi lang sa amin noon na ‘pilitin ‘niyong matuto, kasi pag natuto kayo, 50 pesos ang isang haircut. Kapag may nagpa-haircut, may pangbili na kayo ng bigas. Pag may nagpa-haircut ulit, may pangbili na kayo ng ulam. Hindi talaga kayo magugutom hangga’t kaya niyong gumawa,’” [They used to tell us, ‘choose to keep learning, because once you learn, you can earn PHP 50 for each haircut. When you have one client, you’re able to buy rice. When you have another client, you’re able to buy a dish. You will not go hungry as long as you’re still able to use your skills’.] she explained.|

For Myra Binson, who was a street vendor to support her family, life used to be very different. She recalls turning to vices and losing her way, before turning her life around through hard work within the program. “Dati, sugarol po ako at pasaway. Naligaw ng landas, pero dito, sa Beauty for a Better Life, nabago ko ang sarili ko at ang ugali ko. Naging disiplinado ako,” [I used to gamble a lot and I was uncontrollable. I lost my way, but with Beauty for a Better Life, I was able to change myself and my mindset. I became more disciplined.] she recalled.

Myra graduated from the program in 2019 and is now working at Toni & Guy, which is her first stable employment. She is currently undergoing the salon’s tedious training to be a certified technician. Like many others, the BFBL program did not only provide Myra with job opportunities but also hope for a brighter future. “Dahil sa program na ito, nagkaroon po ako ng pag-asa kasi talagang sa squatters’ area po kami nakatira. Ngayon, dahil sa aking trabaho, napapagawa ko na po ang bahay namin at ang panganay kong anak ay college na,” [We live in the squatters area, but thanks to this program, I saw that there was hope for me and my family. Now, because of my job, I’m able to start renovations on our home and send my eldest child to college.] she shared.

The stories of these graduates exemplify the power of determination and the transformative influence of education and opportunity. Since its inception, the Beauty for a Better Life program has witnessed remarkable progress in graduates' livelihood, with many securing stable positions in renowned salons across the Philippines and others establishing their local salons within their community. 














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ABOUT L’ORÉAL 

FOR OVER 110 YEARS, L’ORÉAL, THE WORLD’S LEADING BEAUTY PLAYER, HAS DEVOTED ITSELF TO ONE THING ONLY: FULFILLING THE BEAUTY ASPIRATIONS OF CONSUMERS AROUND THE WORLD. OUR PURPOSE, TO CREATE THE BEAUTY THAT MOVES THE WORLD, DEFINES OUR APPROACH TO BEAUTY AS INCLUSIVE, ETHICAL, GENEROUS AND COMMITTED TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. WITH OUR BROAD PORTFOLIO OF 35 INTERNATIONAL BRANDS AND AMBITIOUS SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS IN OUR L’ORÉAL FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAMME, WE OFFER EACH AND EVERY PERSON AROUND THE WORLD THE BEST IN TERMS OF QUALITY, EFFICACY, SAFETY, SINCERITY AND RESPONSIBILITY, WHILE CELEBRATING BEAUTY IN ITS INFINITE PLURALITY. 

WITH 85,400 COMMITTED EMPLOYEES, A BALANCED GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT AND SALES ACROSS ALL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS (E-COMMERCE, MASS MARKET, DEPARTMENT STORES, PHARMACIES, HAIR SALONS, BRANDED AND TRAVEL RETAIL), IN 2021 THE GROUP GENERATED SALES AMOUNTING TO 32.28 BILLION EUROS. WITH 20 RESEARCH CENTERS ACROSS 11 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD AND A DEDICATED RESEARCH AND INNOVATION TEAM OF OVER 4,000 SCIENTISTS AND 3,000 TECH PROFESSIONALS, L’ORÉAL IS FOCUSED ON INVENTING THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY AND BECOMING A BEAUTY TECH POWERHOUSE. 




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