34 sewing machines and starter kits benefit newly trained dressmakers

The graduates of Dressmaking and Tailoring course with Regional Project Coordinator Gina Minete, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua during the ribbon cutting ceremony and distribution of sewing machines.

Thirty four (34) newly-trained dressmakers from different barangays of Ligao City were granted new sewing machines and starter kits after finishing a 28-day Dressmaking and Tailoring Course. The program was implemented by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) which constitutes the Local Government Unit of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning (BuBP) to eradicate poverty and empower women by developing their skills and giving them resources to start their own livelihood.

With the theme, "Pagpakusug sa Kapasidad kang mga Kababaihan, Simbag para ang Pagtios Mabawasan [Strengthening women's capacity to lessen poverty]," the graduates of the program received their Dressmaking National Certificate (NC) II for passing the Dressmaking and Tailoring Assessment, special awards for those who excelled in the course, together with the starter kit and sewing machine during the 1st Dressmakers’ Commencement Exercises on 29 May 2015 at Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City.

The graduates wore their sewn uniforms during the Dressmaker's 1st Commencement Exercises

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua further explained that the program aims to extend the services and benefits of the BuBP to the communities in the upland and coastal areas. Hence, the beneficiaries of the program came from different communities in Ligao City. She also encouraged the graduates to be the forerunners of successful dressmakers in the city.

The government programs such as the free courses offered by the TESDA bring opportunities to indigent families to improve their living condition thereby slowly eradicating poverty. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez said that the Dressmaking course gives women, especially the housewives, to enhance their skills and help their families find additional sources of income. He also acknowledged the dedication of Pres. Benigno Aquino III to improve the lives of every Filipino. His transparency proves that the funds were properly allocated for the implementation of several projects.

Written by Lala Peñafiel