Lanao del Sur has declared its state of Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) in the month of July, 2021. As of July 25, 2021, 2 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded which sums up to 59 active cases in the entire province. Minimum health protocols are highly imposed including the ‘stay at home’ restriction.
Small local businesses see this long period of lockdown as a problem. Many store operations were halted and some resorted to shut down due to sluggish sales. Despite the rigorous safety controls, people would really find a ray of opportunity.
‘Stay at home’ may be a problem for many during this community quarantine, but for Jannah Al-Ferdaus, a Community and Solidarity Group (CSG) in Bayabao Poblacion, Butig Lanao del Sur, it is an opportunity to earn.
The Marawi Response Project (MRP) funded by the United States Agency for International Development or USAID, implemented by Plan International and Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. (ECOWEB) granted both Basic Dressmaking training and Dressmaking Livelihood to Jannah Al-Ferdaus.
16 members underwent hands-on training on Basic Dressmaking from August 14 to September 2, 2019 where they were trained in actual sewing activities and equipped with necessary skills on basic dressmaking such as cutting, designing, and patterns.
Last February 4, 2020, the group, along with other CSGs in Butig Lanao del Sur, received the livelihood assistance that includes 16 units of sewing machines with 1 electrical sewing machine for embroidery, materials and equipment such as fabric cloths, set of scissors, threads, needles, electrical irons with stand, and among other essential materials to start a dressmaking shop.
However, instead of individually taking the machines in their respective homes, the group decided to form a cooperative where all these sewing machines, equipment, and materials will be placed in one strategic area and operate as a dressmaking shop in the community.
The fruit of their unity and sacrifices is now ripped! With the high demand and the shortage of face mask, the group, as a cooperative, has produced a bounty of face masks being sold in the community, and even received orders from nearby communities. According to the co-leader of the group, Mr. Abdulwahab Mama,
“For facemask alone, we have earned enough to sustain our basic needs during this lockdown. Currently we are still working on some pending orders from other municipalities” he said.
Facemask production has been in demand since the early period of lockdown. With their creativity and innovation skills, the group has produced personalized facemask- printed some reminders like ‘Stay at home’; Korean inspired heart handsign; sweet messages; and for animal lovers, a drawing of some pets- and other sewn products including bedsheets, curtains, long dresses, blouses, and other Muslim attires and wears that have been in demand since Ramadhan.
Mr. Charlie Trozo, a focal Community Development Facilitator (CDF), witnessed the journey of the group since from the start. He expressed that,
“Masaya ako dahil naging instrumento ako para sa mga taong nangangarap na bumangon mula sa mga pagsubok ng buhay.” (I am happy to have served as an instrument for those who dream to cope with the challenges of life.)
This really paved another successful story, a story of strong individuals coming together for a common purpose- to help oneself and others.
