In Barangay Ginatilan, a unique initiative titled โHabi ng Pag-asaโ (โWeave of Hopeโ) brought together 17 Indigenous women for a transformative Dressmaking Workshop facilitated by Social Work students from North Valley College Foundation. The activity was designed to promote Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping participants with practical skills that can generate income and foster financial independence. Beyond learning technical skills, the workshop provided a platform for women to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and gain confidence in their capacity to contribute economically to their households and communities.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in hands-on dressmaking activities, learning everything from fabric handling and measurement to sewing techniques suitable for small-scale production. The workshop also included discussions on managing small businesses, marketing handmade products, and delivering quality service. By focusing on practical skills directly linked to livelihood generation, the program emphasized the importance of economic empowerment as a pathway to sustainable growth, showing that even short-term training can have long-lasting effects on personal and community development.The impact of โHabi ng Pag-asaโ extends beyond individual skill acquisition. By providing Indigenous women with tools for self-employment and income generation, the workshop contributes to local economic development while promoting inclusion in the workforce core principles of SDG 8. This initiative demonstrates how targeted, skills-based programs can create opportunities for marginalized communities, inspiring confidence, independence, and hope for a more prosperous future.
