27 IDPs complete dressmaking training, receive starter kits

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur—Some 27 displaced women have now obtained new skills that they can use as they rebuild their lives and recover from the effects of the 2017 Marawi siege.

These women completed their skills training on Dressmaking NC II under the “Driving Marawi's Rehabilitation through IDP Support, Community Development, and Peaceful Transitional Action” project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA).

The project addresses the major drivers of instability and displacement by providing livelihood assistance, establishing community-based psychosocial support mechanisms, and constructing key infrastructure.

“Our project reflects the Korean government's firm resolve to help the people of Marawi and neighboring areas recover and improve their socio-economic situations,” said KOICA Assistant Country Director Younlee Kim.

The training was held from December 21, 2021 to February 14, 2022 and provided by H. Hassan Institute of Technology, Inc. The trainees also underwent and passed the NC II assessment by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Apart from the training, the trainees received start-up kits from IOM and KOICA to assist them as they begin new means of livelihood.

“I congratulate our youth and women graduates for completing the technical-vocational training on dressmaking. I am confident that your training would give you more access to livelihood and employment opportunities,” Kim said during the May 30 graduation and handover ceremony.

Matthew Aaron Bidder, IOM Mindanao Head of Programmes, who was also present during the ceremony likewise congratulated the successful trainees. “This is not the end, this is really the beginning. The handover of these livelihood starter kits is the start of the next steps in your journey," he said.

All the 27 trainees are thankful to the two humanitarian organizations for equipping them with new skills and providing start-up kits.

"Ako ay masaya dahil may binigay na opportunity sa amin. Kung ako ay papanaw, pwede kong iwanan ito sa aking pamilya. Aalagaan namin ito at pauunlarin," said Omaimah Macapaar, one of the IDP graduates. (APB/PIA-10/ Lanao del Sur)