About 50 members of different women’s organization in the City of San Fernando attended the two-day “Water Hyacinth Basket Training” from September 7 to 8 as part of Women’s Week 2017 celebration.
The activity was organized by the City Investment and Promotions Office (CIPO), in partnership with the provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Present during the opening ceremony were CIPO Project Development Officer Jeffrey Yutuc, DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio, TESDA Pampanga Supervising TESD Specialist Jenica Dunglao, DOST Pampanga Representative Jesili Reyes and JCE Advance Assessment Center Manager JB Estabillo.
Yutuc said the training involves weaving using dried water lilies and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, a process commonly used in making baskets and furniture.
“Mahalaga na pareho nilang alam ang dalawang proseso na ito para makatapos ng isang produkto. Tiniyak namin na ligtas itong gawin at hindi delikado para sa mga kababaihan,” Yutuc added.
Ordonio, for her part, lauded the local government of San Fernando for actively hosting livelihood trainings for its constituents. She stressed the urgency of having new trained weavers considering the growth of basket industry in the country.
“We continue to gain recognitions because of our quality outputs; so we are currently partnering with businesses and malls that can help us market our products both local and abroad,” Ordonio said.
In an interview, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago also thanked all involved agencies for their tireless support to promote productivity and efficiency among Fernandinos. He said these initiatives also boost women entrepreneurship which plays a critical role in economic development.
“Sa ating patuloy na pagkakaisa ay mas maraming kababayan ang natutulungan natin sa pagkakaroon ng sariling kabuhayan na siyang susi sa hinahangad nating kaunlaran,” Santiago furthered.