The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), provided job opportunities to women and parents in Milagros, Masbate by giving training and initial capital for a garment-making business.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Jastine Joy Escuro, DSWD-Bicol project development officer for SLP, said 29 members of the Masbate School of Fisheries Garments Fashion and Design Sustainable Livelihood Program Association participated in four days of technical skills training for garment fashion and designs and received a seed capital of PHP435,000.

“The training program not only refines the members’ technical skills in garment fashion and design since some of the participants already have the skills in sewing, but also nurtures their creativity and artistic talents. The group was able to secure direct buyers and with this, they will have a fixed income that will help sustain the needs of their families,” Escuro said.

She added that through the livelihood program the members could become self-reliant and productive members of society.

“The association, through the seed capital worth PHP435,000, was able to purchase eight high-speed sewing machines, two edging machines, basic cutting tools, measuring tools, fabric and thread, all of which will be used to produce their products,” she said.

“The group can make office and school uniforms, blouses, pants, foot sacks, pot holders, doormats, pillowcases, and curtain products.”

Escuro said the program also benefits the community by contributing to the overall economic growth of Milagros. (PNA)