The School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service (SKILLS) is a multi-awarded and internationally-recognized technical vocational institute. SKILLS offers market-driven skills development, academic, and certification programs in construction, heavy equipment operations, maritime, health services, and hospitality.
Train and certify globally competent Filipino workers.
To be the leading institution in developing the capability of globally competent Filipinos, enriching lives and contributing to social development.
SKILLS works with the public and private sectors to ensure that its programs respond to the manpower requirements of both local and foreign employers. Through this strategy, SKILLS adequately prepares its learners towards careers that provide rewards and growth opportunities.
Tracing its humble beginnings in 1951, the Primary Group of Builders (PGB) started as a single family-owned construction company that was built through hard work, determination, and unyielding professionalism.
William C. Liu Construction became the contractor of choice of Cebu’s leading corporations by gaining a reputation of delivering prompt, affordable, and quality products and services. This reputation has become PGB’s legacy.
Through the years, the family corporation has branched out into different industries. From one company, PGB grew to become a powerhouse conglomerate with an umbrella of trusted companies in their respective fields beyond construction such as manufacturing, real estable, shipping and logistics, health and lifestyle, and human capital development.
Each company upholds passion and thrust for excellence. PGB has diverse solutions that are integrated to strengthen each company’s competence which allow them to build lasting solutions for their clients and investors. PGB strives to create value and positive impact on people’s lives, business, and society that will last through generations.
Members of the SKILLS team share the same core values observed by their fellow employees or Ka-Tribu at the Primary Group of Builders. At the HEART of every of Ka-Tribu are these core values:
H – Humility
At PGB, your needs are our utmost priority. We strive to continually seek the best possible solutions created just for you through our competent professionals who are always ready to serve you with a smile.
E – Empathy
PGB understands the needs and expectations of its stakeholders and the community. We aim to help whenever and wherever we can.
A – Accountability
Providing prompt and quality service is something PGB upholds. Our equipped and highly-trained professionals are dedicated and passionate in giving you the best there is to offer from start to finish.
R – Results & Resiliency
Our track record of over 70 years has proven that PGB is and continues to be the company of choice for various local, national, and global corporations. We have withstood the test of time and are constantly innovating to adapt to the changing industry landscapes.
T – Tenacity & Thankfulness
PGB and its subsidiary companies are currently the frontrunners and pioneers of their respective industries. Amidst the rising competition and growing industry standards, our stakeholders and loyal clients have constantly trusted PGB for their business, shelter, and lifestyle needs—something that we truly value.
The pioneering programs and social development efforts of SKILLS have been recognized nationally and abroad. These awards fuel our work in producing world-class skilled workers.
Exemplary Grant Management Award from USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program (2024)
From 2021 to 2024, SKILLS was a grantee of USAID Opportunity 2.0 – Second Chance Opportunities for Out of School Youth. Some 400-plus out of school youth have benefited from USAID’s work readiness and technical skills training services delivered by SKILLS through Opportunity 2.0 as well as YouthWorksPH, another USAID education program in the country.
Under Opportunity 2.0, SKILLS delivered the Work Ready Now curriculum, rolled out construction TVET courses, launched Industry Certification in the construction sector, and transitioned the beneficiaries to employment and further education. The award was handed out during the partners summit at Novotel in Quezon City. SKILLS emerged as the winner in a field of 60 local service providers that USAID Opportunity 2.0 has worked with since 2020.
CSR Guild Award for Outstanding Program in Education from the League of Corporate Foundations (2024)
The SKILLS Senior High School Program fulfills the promise of the K-12 Basic Education Reform, which is to produce skilled, competent, and employable senior high school graduates. At SKILLS, senior high school students earned multiple national certificates in construction, hospitality, and health care qualifications. They are immersed in the industry before they graduate. Since 2016, SKILLS has produced more than 500 graduates who are now working or pursuing their college degrees. The CSR Guild Award was bestowed during LCF’s CSR Expo 2024 at Dusit Thani, Makati City.
People Program of the Year Exemplar from the People Management Association of the Philippines (2023)
The PMAP Awards has been instituted since 1977 to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals that help advance the people management profession in the country. The People Program of the Year award is accorded to a company for a people program that is relevant, unique, and innovative, providing meaningful contribution to the twin organizational requirements of achieving business goals while meeting the needs of its people. SKILLS was the 2023 PMAP People Program of the Year Exemplar for its youth work readiness and skills training efforts during the event held at Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu.
CSR Guild Award for Outstanding Program in Health from the League of Corporate Foundations (2022)
The PMAP Awards has been instituted since 1977 to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals that help advance the people management profession in the country. The People Program of the Year award is accorded to a company for a people program that is relevant, unique, and innovative, providing meaningful contribution to the twin organizational requirements of achieving business goals while meeting the needs of its people. SKILLS was the 2023 PMAP People Program of the Year Exemplar for its youth work readiness and skills training efforts during the event held at Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu.
Innovation Award for Partnerships and Policies from Habitat for Humanity (2019)
For its advocacy on industry certification that creates multi-skilled workers, SKILLS was the recipient of the Innovation Award for Partnership and Policies from Habitat for Humanity. This was awarded during the organization’s 7th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum in Bangkok, Thailand last September 2019.
SKILLS’ industry certification advocacy creates multi-skilled workers called Builder Assistants, who are competent in qualifications such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and tile-setting. As a housing strategy, the multi-skilled builder assistants are employable, entrepreneurial, and able to build or repair their own safe, disaster-resilient houses at a lower cost.
Paulette D. Liu, SKILLS President and COO was the Grand Chamber Awards Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year (2018)
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recognizes exemplary individuals for their contributions to Cebu’s business community through its annual Grand Chamber Awards. In 2018, Ms. Paulette D. Liu, SKILLS President and COO and PGB Senior Vice President for Human Resources and Admin was the Chamber’s Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year. The award highlights business leaders who go beyond profit-making by integrating social responsibility into their core business practices. Ms. Liu with PGB CEO, Engr. William Christopher U. Liu, Jr., founded PSEFI SKILLS, and together they shepherd the organization in the development of market-driven programs, delivery of scholarships, and forging partnerships that produce world-class skilled Filipino workers.
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