Filipino expatriates are proving to be a cut above the rest after securing tailoring skills at special sessions lined-up to offer them lifestyle talents and potentially future employment opportunities when they return home.
Forty-five took part in the specialised dress-making programme held at the Majestic Hotel in Juffair. The initiative, spanning seven Fridays, was organised by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and community-based women organisation Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
OWWA welfare officer Juvilyn Gumabay warmly greeted the participating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), noting the ‘profound importance of programmes like this’ to encourage entrepreneurship.
Among the enthusiastic participants was Erlinda Lumiguid, a 40-year-old domestic worker from Tagum, Davao del Norte.
A Filipina learning how to sew
“I wanted to enroll in this programme for a long time. I am very grateful for this opportunity and learning how to make dresses and sew will provide me with more opportunities in the future,” she said.
Participants learned the difference between fabrics, pattern cutting, sewing and finishing and many were assisted by former pupils.
Trainees learning how to make a dress
Maritess Ramiro, 42, who has been living in Bahrain for 17 years, was also among the participants taking part in the workshop. “Learning how to sew serves as a practical purpose and it allows me to learn a new skill,” she said.
“There are many benefits. You can avoid costs associated with using tailoring services and, at the same time, take part in an enjoyable activity.
“Instead of spending my time aimlessly scrolling through my phone, I can now enhance these skills.”
Since the programme relaunched in 2022, it has been headed by seasoned volunteer instructor Epifania Fuyoc, a 56-year-old fashion expert from Roxas City.
Participants from previous training batches were selected as assistant teachers and included Sharlyn Vergara, Estelita Arandia, Myra Tabobtabon, Ma Lourdes Majestrado, Rosario Constantino, Merlinda Dimaunahan, Rosela Lontes, Lorily Agustin, Eden Tulliao, Maria Delapina, Evangeline Pilotin, Melissa De Guzman and Mercedita Tabangcura.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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