Wilcon Depot Inc., the country’s leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer, has launched the Wilcon Upskilling Center, Inc. (WUCI) Program at 50 E. Rodriguez Highway, Montalban Rizal on Friday, February 20, 2026. This signalled a significant milestone in the company’s mission to help Filipinos build better and more comfortable lives.
The two-storey WUCI campus will offer the following courses: Basic Electrical Installation and Maintenance; Basic Construction Plumbing; Basic Construction Painting; Basic Welding; Basic Carpentry; and Basic Construction Masonry.
Wilcon Upskilling Center Inc. welcomes Filipino trainees at E. Rodriguez Avenue, Rodriguez, Rizal, on February 20. The occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with a shared commitment to empowering skills and creating opportunities. Present is in the event (L-R) were Senior TESDA Specialist Ms. Ma. Ingrid Sanga; Former Executive Director TESDA CBTVET Office Lorenzo Emanuel L. Guillermo; Officer-in-Charge of the TESDA Rizal Provincial Office and Concurrent Administrator of TESDA Cainta Training Center Ms. Evangeline Plazo; WUCI Admin Officer Ms. Festine Nikki Chan; Wilcon Depot President and CEO Ms. Lorraine Belo-Cincochan; Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Hon. Ronnie Evangelista; WUCI Academic Director Dean Alberto A. Laurito; Councilor Hon. Deck Lazarte; WUCI Technical Consultant Mr. Edilberto Pañgan; PESO Manager Ms. Angelica O. Torio; and OIC of MLTVESDC Ms. Vangie Manahan Gaspar.
Wilcon Depot President and CEO Ms. Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, speaking on behalf of her father, Wilcon Depot Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. William Belo, credited this milestone to the strong support of the WUCI Dean, WUCI officials, and the Local Government Unit officials of Montalban.
The first batch of scholars was selected through an online application process and will complete the required four courses to receive their certificate of program completion.
In an interview, WUCI Academic Director Dean Alberto A. Laurito shared that the trainees are granted full scholarship benefits. Applicants must be at least Grade 6 graduates, preferably out-of-school youth, unemployed, or underemployed individuals. As an upskilling initiative, the program is specifically designed to support these sectors.
“We call the programs a blended program, meaning combination of onsite and online. Now, don’t misunderstand me because this is a practical course. They have to be onsite every day, Monday to Friday. The content and additional resources for their learning can be accessed via our own website. We have a learning management system. It’s called www.wilconupskill.com.” He added.
Representing TESDA IV-A Regional Director Engr. Jovencio M. Ferrer Jr., Officer-In-Charge Tesda Rizal Provincial Office & Concurrent Administrator of TESDA Cainta Training Center, Ms. Evangeline Plazo emphasized the importance of partnerships like Wilcon in helping TESDA reach underserved communities. “‘yun pong mga hard-to-reach na mga kababayan natin in far-flung areas nakakatulong ang Wilcon to support us to reach them by providing and helping us in conducting training po, so, ’yung mga hindi po kayang i-provide ng TESDA sa tulong po ng Wilcon pwede po.”
Electrical Trainee Ms. Rachel Macamus shared her excitement about being selected for the program. “Gusto ko talaga ‘to, Electrical, kasi nga maliban sa bahay namin, maia-apply ko po sa’king business [Metal Arch and Craft]. Zero knowledge po ako kahit sa wire – ‘yong mga size and pangalan, hopefully dito makaya ko.”
Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor, Hon. Ronnie S. Evangelista emphasized in his speech that the program addresses a vital need in the community. He explained that if every Montalbeño acquired at least one skill, they would be able to support themselves, making them one less concern for the municipality. He underscored the importance of sustaining the program to continuously train and equip residents with practical skills for livelihood.
“Vision to ng foundation namin sa Wilcon – that we really wanted to give back and really wanted to uplift the community, especially here in Montalban, and it’s really an honor for us to host this facility.” Ms. Lorraine said in her speech.
In December last year, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) formally held the Solemn Blessing and Inauguration of the UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-Dr. WITBIRIn) at the UST Manila Annex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Donated by Dr. Belo, the institute serves as a hub for advanced research in energy futures, biomedical engineering and global health innovations, food innovation and agricultural technologies, green technologies and environmental sustainability, as well as materials science and nanotechnology.
Staying true to its core values, Wilcon Depot continues to champion meaningful philanthropic efforts. These include educational assistance initiatives, disaster relief operations, and community outreach programs that address urgent and long-term needs.
The company recently extended cash donations through the Mandaue City Local Government Unit to assist communities affected by the recent typhoon. It has also strengthened its relief efforts through collaborations with partner organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, Tzu Chi Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc.- further expanding support to vulnerable communities across the country.
Through these sustained initiatives, Wilcon Depot reaffirms its commitment to creating lasting impact – empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering a culture of compassion, service, and shared progress among Filipinos.
For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.
