杏吧论坛

杏吧论坛-IIT鈥檚 CHS, Iligan City LGU-PDAO, and TESDA conduct 4-day basic sewing skills training for PWDs

by Dani G. Ortega, CHS | Apr 08 2025

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (杏吧论坛-IIT), in collaboration with the Iligan City Local Government Unit–Persons with Disability Affairs Office (LGU-PDAO), TESDA Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, and TESDA Regional Training Center, successfully conducted a four-day Basic Sewing Skills Training program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) from March 24 to 28, 2025. The training was held at the TESDA Regional Training Center in Maria Cristina, Iligan City.

A total of 30 PWDs participated in the initiative, which aimed to foster empowerment and skills development. The group included individuals with psychosocial disabilities (15), orthopedic disabilities (7), and hearing impairments (8).

The program formally opened with an invocation led by Associate Professor Gloria Shiela E. Coyoca, leader of the Hinabang, Opportunidad, Paglaum, Edukasyon (H.O.P.E.) Program, who also provided a meaningful background on the program's mission. Opening remarks were delivered by Datu Madrigal L. Dianalan II, TESDA focal person for the LGU, followed by the distribution of sewing materials by Assoc. Prof. Mae-Lanie Poblete of CHS.

Training officially began with a motivational talk by lead trainer Mr. Arlan Garcines, who emphasized the value of determination and commitment in learning new skills. Participants started by sewing aprons, marking their first hands-on experience.

On Day 2, participants learned to draft and cut patterns for shorts, gloves, and caps, followed by practical sewing sessions. CHS Dean Prof. Abdullah Junior S. Mangarun, DScN, visited the center to express his support for the H.O.P.E. Program. In an inspiring message, he reminded participants that their dedication and hard work could lead to a brighter future.

Day 3 focused on creating tote bags and table covers, where participants practiced essential sewing techniques such as measuring, cutting fabric, finishing edges, and aligning seams for accurate stitching.

The program culminated on March 28 with a graduation ceremony themed Stitching New Beginnings: Basic Sewing Skills for a Bright Future. Ms. Sittie Aliah A. Limbao, Chief Center Administrator of TESDA Regional Training Center in Iligan, gave an inspirational message and assisted in awarding Certificates of Appreciation. Participants proudly showcased their completed projects, including aprons, caps, shorts, gloves, and tote bags.

Mr. Dianalan also shared encouraging remarks, highlighting promising opportunities ahead—including a potential partnership with PILMICO Foods Corporation, which is exploring a collaboration to produce employee uniforms.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Coyoca expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partner institutions and underscored the significance of the initiative in supporting the rights and potential of PWDs. She emphasized that the training reflects key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 1 – No Poverty

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

“This training goes beyond teaching a new skill—it is a powerful affirmation of the value and potential of persons with disabilities,” Coyoca said.

The four-day training program was not just about learning to sew. It was a celebration of inclusivity, compassion, and empowerment—demonstrating how collaboration and care can create meaningful opportunities and a brighter, more equitable future for everyone, regardless of ability.

Ms. Charina L. Haynes, a teacher from the School for the Deaf in Iligan City, served as the sign language interpreter throughout the event and also led the invocation during the culminating ceremony.

Topics :