The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) conducted a livelihood training program in San Agustin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte last May 24-26.
The said training program aims to provide an alternative means of livelihood to residents of Brgy. San Agustin by turning newspaper trash into a source of income. Old newspapers and midrib brooms were recycled and made into decorative items such as trays, bags, bracelets, baskets and other products.
Selected women from Baguio City facilitated the event and participated by 32 members of the Sarrat Federation for Women groups.
According to Vivian Wa-ay, one of the trainees, “This is very helpful on our part. Not only does this help us financially, it also makes our time worthwhile because we get to earn for our family. On behalf of our association, we are very grateful to Gov. Imee Marcos for conducting this training program.”
The trainees actively participated throughout the training and each one of them has their own finished products. At the end of the training, Gov. Imee Marcos handed them certificates of completion.
“The women of Sarrat who joined are expected to train other women groups in the province to spread the knowledge on the art of paper craft making. In this way, we are able to help one another,” Gov. Imee Marcos said. “The bags and other items are so fashionable. I told them to display their products at Lacasa and in other souvenir shops for local visitors and foreign tourists to see and buy,” she added.
Throughout the program, the participants gained new skills and knowledge on how to have an alternative way of gaining income. Also, it increased the residents’ awareness on how to recycle and address problems on solid waste management.–
