EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SEWING MACHINES AND DRESSMAKING MATERIALS

In a separate initiative on April 26, 2024, the PROTECT-Peace in the BARMM Project, in collaboration with Lamitan City Rose Women Organization, Inc. (LCRWOI), facilitated the turn-over of sewing machines and dressmaking materials to two (2) Women’s Organizations in Barangay Buahan, Lamitan City, Basilan. The Buahan Women’s Association and Buahan Yakan Weavers Association were proud recipients of sets of sewing machines, textiles, and materials to support their livelihood in dressmaking.

The official hand-over ceremony, held at the Barangay Hall of Buahan, was attended by Barangay Chairman Hon. Halili Gallego, Ms. Marjorie Casamayor from LGU-CSWD Office, Ms. Saida S. Alaini of TESDA-Basilan, and MS. Ruscelyn Ismae, along with Barangay Officials and members of the recipient organizations.

Hon. Gallego lauded the project’s significant support to the women of Buahan, recognizing the opportunities it brings to enhance their skills and livelihood prospects.

LGU-CSWD Casamayor reiterated the local government’s full support for women and emphasized the promotion of their work, particularly the traditional Yakan cloth, as a vital part of the province’s identity.

The women were engaged in a 20-day dressmaking training facilitated by LCRWOI in partnership with TESDA-Basilan, a crucial step towards eligibility for the support provided. With a total of 60 women set to benefit from dressmaking livelihood support, the project signifies a promising path toward economic empowerment and skill development for the women of Buahan, Lamitan City.

The Promoting Resilient and Organized Citizenry towards Empowerment and Community Transformation for Peace in the BARMM (PROTECT-Peace in the BARMM) Project is a three-year project agreement between the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS) and Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) that aims to build people’s capacity for peacebuilding and socio-economic development in the BARMM.

By: MONAWARA MAPANDI
Communications and Information Officer
PROTECT Peace Project