Manobo Simuwawnon women proudly display their handsewn products.
The pandemic crippled the country’s economy in many ways, especially constricting the earning capacity of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
To help jumpstart their road to economic recovery, PLDT partnered with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), to provide the women of Manobo Simuwawnon in Linging, Surigao del Sur, with two sets of sewing machines, materials, and supplemental sewing training from TESDA. PEF also formally organized the Rajah Cabungsuan Manobo Simuwawnon Sewmates for Environment Conservation Association (RCMS-SECA) to strengthen the program and foster partnerships among the community.
Finished products include reusable and washable cloth face masks and handsewn bags that integrate and showcase the culture and heritage of the Manobo Simuwawnon into the design. These are bought back by PLDT and included in the hygiene kits they distribute to their partners or sold by the ICC as souvenirs within their communities.
"PLDT and Smart prioritize livelihood programs that promote not just sustainability but also inclusivity. Part of this is making sure that everyone, including ICCs and their women members have access to the same opportunities," said Kristine Joyce Magadia, Stakeholder Management Lead for Livelihood of PLDT and Smart.
The Manobo Simuwawnon women are part of a group of volunteer forest guards who protect and conserve the wildlife in the community, including the critically-endangered Philippine Eagle.
“Indigenous women in the uplands do not only care for their families. They are also competent and compassionate guardians of Philippine eagles and forests. Our PLDT-supported Conservation Sewmates program is our way of giving back and supporting their aspirations for livelihood support,” said Jayson C. Ibañez, PhD., PEF Director of Research and Conservation.
Hard work in action with one of the sewing machines donated by PLDT.
“I am delighted to be a female forest guard. I was able to join the monitoring of the eagle and I saw hope not only for its protection but also for our development as IP (Indigenous Peoples) women. Through PEF and PLDT’s support during the CoVID 19 pandemic, our women's association RCMS-SECA has been able to start our face masks and bags livelihood. We can now have extra income to send our children to school,” said Bebelinda Gay-od Cotic of RCMS-SECA.
RCMS-SECA, with the help of PLDT and PEF, already plans to expand its customer base and eventually offer its products online.
By supporting this program, PLDT emphasizes its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG 1 No Poverty, UNSDG 5 Gender Equality and UNSDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.
