BULUAN, Maguindanao (MindaNews / 23 March) – Two women’s groups in Maguindanao have received the promised wooden loom weaving machines after completing livelihood training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
At the culmination of women’s month activities Wednesday night, Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Bai Jennah Mangudadatu-Lumawan, president of the provincial women’s group, led the ceremonial turnover of the P15,000 weaving machine and an additional P10,000 startup fund to women’s groups from the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Paglat, whose members were the first graduates of the loom weaving course.
Maguindanao had penetrated the global fashion and clothing market of its unique and colorful “Inaul” apparels after the now famous cloth was used by Miss Universe candidates in a fund raising fashion show last January.
Wilma Anoc Pangindigan, a mother and member the Umma Hat women’s group from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, said her group is excited to install the first wooden loom weaving machine in the town’s cooperative building.
“We are overwhelmed and excited to produce our own ‘obra maestra’,” she said, adding that Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Anida Dimaukom was very elated with the project that will bolster capabilities of women.
“Opportunities now have opened doors for us. The tourism department is helping us bring our crafts in the international market and we are proud to say our Maguindanaon women are behind these crafts,” Mangudadatu said in his speech.
Meanwhile, Lumawan said Moro women are now empowered.
“Our women are now agents for peace and vowed to work against poverty, lack of education, human trafficking, even taking the extra mile to prevent extremism,” she said.
Among the highlights of the two-day provincial women’s month culminating program were “Muntya Nu Maguindanao” (a beauty and brain pageant for mothers), videoke challenge, Palarong Pinoy, Zumba dance and educational video presentation on safety measures against illegal recruitment rackets. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)