With a renewed hope for a better life back in the mainstream society, 18 women former rebels and wives of former rebels in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte engaged in Women’s Forum on March 10, 2022, at the LGRRC DILG 13 Regional Office, Butuan City.

In line with the Women’s Month Celebration, the DILG Caraga through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), in partnership with the 29th Infantry Battalion and Agusan del Norte Provincial Government, initiated an entrepreneurial skills training entitled “Jumpstarting Business in the New Normal.” The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga representatives were invited to mentor and share the step-by-step process of starting a small business and present information about some opportunities that the participants can avail themselves of from the said offices. 

Aside from the know-how on business, the participants also received free pampering sessions such as haircuts, manicures, and pedicures as a way of celebrating their womanhood and appreciating them for braving whatever it was that cost them in finally coming back to the folds of the law.

DILG Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay expressed his gratitude towards the participants for their bravery. “Along with this celebration is our direction to reset and bounce back. Mobangon kita and we will guide you as you transition back into civilian life by helping you realize whatever business you have in mind. I am happy to see you slowly reintegrate back into your communities and start a new, normal life together with your families,” ARD Seronay said.

As a Women’s month gift, the GFPS also handed out beauty and hygiene kits to the participants.

Liza (not her real name) was among the participants who shared her appreciation to the agency for providing them this opportunity. “Ako nagpasalamat nga naay ingon ani na programa nga mag guide sa amo na mag sugod ug business, kani magamit gyud namo sa pang adlaw-adlaw na panginabuhian. Gawas niini, gipagwapa pa gyud ming mga kababaehan. Salamat sa nag conduct niini ug sa mga nagsponsor ug sa mga nag train sa amoa. Salamat kaayo sa DILG, salamat na gihatagan mig ing-ani na training.” (I am grateful to those who led this training since it has expanded my understanding of how to start a business, and I am confident that this will help us in our everyday lives. I appreciate those who organized and sponsored it, as well as those who trained us. Thank you so much, DILG, for making this training possible).

The GFPS is set to conduct various activities for the month-long celebration. This includes a webinar on GAD Planning and Budgeting on March 17, and DILG’s GAD Talent, a variety show showcasing the talents of the men and women of DILG Caraga on March 31. ### (By PEAO II Psychee Amor M. Dalan)

A participant poses for her before and after makeover transformation.

 

Participants avail “Gandang May Igaganda Pa sa Pagtatapos ng Pandemya” pampering treat.

 

Participants of the Women’s Forum pose for a group pictorial carrying their Women’s Month Gift which they received from GFPS.