ECOWEBPH

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we enter into a remarkable journey that highlights the empowerment and resilience of women. Set against different communities with differing backgrounds and challenges, the stories of these women fully embody the impact of investing and believing in women to promote resilience within communities. Their stories echo the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”

Every year on the 8^th of March, the whole world comes to celebrate and honor the achievement of women throughout the globe. This International Women’s Day, ECOWEB acknowledges and celebrates not only the triumphs and achievements but also the struggles and hardships of women from every facet of society, particularly indigenous communities, survivors of crisis and disasters, and those living in poverty.

In celebration of these women, we look at the inspiring story of the Mapia Uyag-uyag Women Cooperative, a shining beacon of hope and empowerment in their community.

Nestled within the province of Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM, Barangay Salbu in Datu Saudi Ampatuan has faced its share of challenges, from armed conflict to natural disasters. Arising from collective determination and strength, the cooperative’s journey began with a group of women coming together through “Umahat,” a community initiative centered on knowledge-sharing and embracing Arabic and Islamic values. However, it was the devastation brought upon by Typhoon Paeng that became the catalyst for them to formally organize.

Faced with adversity and armed with their resilience and determination to help their fellow women, they saw the disaster as an opportunity to uplift their community and thus this dynamic women-led cooperative was born.

With the invaluable support of livelihood microgrants from the Recovery and Building Resilience project, funded by the Legatum Foundation and Vitol Foundation, and implemented by Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. (EcoWEB), in partnership with The Moropreneur Inc., the Mapiya Uyag-uyag Women Cooperative received 75,000 pesos to establish their Textiles and Handicrafts store.

This venture showcased locally crafted products made by women, providing a platform for their skills and contributing to the community’s economic growth.

Nor-ain S. Tilendo, the cooperative’s Marketing Officer, eloquently expressed the group’s sentiments, stating, “As women, we play a pivotal role in the recovery and progress of our community, having endured numerous hardships. We have been empowered to earn a livelihood, meet our needs, and make significant contributions to our area’s peace and economic development.”

Today, the cooperative, proudly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), boasts a diverse membership. They empower women in their community by marketing their handicraft products and producing women’s garments, fostering self-sufficiency, supporting the less fortunate, and promoting income equality.

The cooperative has also taken the lead in implementing a community and home food production program to ensure food security. As passionate advocates for peace, they have spearheaded the establishment and co-management of the Peace Center with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), upholding peace and Islamic values while driving economic and livelihood development.

Looking ahead, the cooperative envisions developing food products utilizing local resources such as Pandan, Anahaw, Niyog, and Nipa roots as primary ingredients for gelatin “gulaman” and natural pandan juice.

They see these endeavors as a means to establish a resilient and food-secure community, safeguard the environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The story of the Mapiya Uyag-uyag Women Cooperative stands as a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the transformative potential of women-led initiatives. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope, not only for their community but also for other communities facing similar challenges.

In the quaint town of Manticao, Misamis Oriental a group of women are leading a transformative development in the agri-business sector.

Initiated in 2022, the Upper Malubog Manticao Abaca farmers Association (UMMAFA) is a testament to the power of believing and investing in the capabilities of women in rural areas.

One of their recent undertakings was the Hand Stripping Abaca Fiber Extraction Training conducted last February 9. This activity aspired to more than just acquiring the skills they needed for fiber extraction. It also aimed to instill in these women the principle and assertion that they are also capable of doing what are considered “manly” work as well as empower them to lead and work in a mostly male-dominated field.

By showcasing their skills and proficiency in abaca fiber extraction, these women affirm that they are equal to their husbands and other men in the agricultural sector in addition to breaking down barriers and gender norms in tight-knit, traditional rural communities.

UMMAFA’s journey is just beginning. The group continues to drive towards its goals with ambition and resolve. UMMAFA is currently accessing their seed capital provided by ECOWEB through the FPG-SEEDIC Continuity Project. ECOWEB’s support is vital in assisting their endeavors and pushing them towards their aims.

The women of UMMAFA strive towards a larger goal moving forward. They not only want to support their families but also the community at large. Aspiring to become one of the leading producers of abaca fiber in the region, they aim to use their success and progress to establish Manticao as the fiber capital of Misamis Oriental.

UMMAFA’s story serves as a monument to the potential, resilience, and ambition of women. While they continue with their ascent towards success, may their story inspire everyone, woman or man, of the inspiring power of breaking barriers and challenging norms for worthwhile change.

Narsita “Manang Narsing” Lucana is an extraordinary woman who despite her limitations in life is leading the women of her community to rise up against their economic struggles. Her inspiring story of resilience and empowerment is a monument to the power of community and resilience.

Her story began with a simple idea while she was working on her crafts: to organize a group of craftswomen to support themselves and their families by creating and sellings bayongs. Knowing the financial difficulties she and her community experience, Manang Narsing set out not just to provide livelihoods but also hope, dignity, and ambition.

Filled with resolve and aspiration, Manang Narsing and her group of women bayong makers dedicated themselves to their craft. Through their collaboration and mutual interests, they were able to create opportunities for themselves and reduce their financial troubles.

Manang Narsing and the other women’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Others soon became interested in their products and more and more people lined up to purchase their products. They were soon able to drum up support from the local government. The mayor of Oras is even a frequent patron of their products.

Manang Narsing’s group is also a recipient of ECOWEB’s microgrants, which further helps them in their endeavors as well as ease their financial burdens.

Contemplating on her journey so far, Manang Narsing talks about the impact she and her collaborators have had on the lives of many people. “We were poor and didn’t finish school,” she says, “But through bayong making, we are able to make sure that our children and grandchildren will have brighter futures.”

Today, Manang Narsing’s aspirations go way beyond her own community. She and her group plan to share their knowledge and skills to women in other barangays so they can empower them to have their own livelihoods and become more financially secure.

As Manang Narsing and her fellow craftswomen weave together hope and opportunity for their community, their hopeful resilience and dedication truly demonstrate that investing in women-led grassroots organizations can have beneficial results.

We must let their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can flourish, empowering women to create lasting change.

Since 2021, ECOWEB has been a beacon of unwavering hope and support, reaching out to 51,625 individuals, 10,325 families, and 413 women’s groups all over the Philippines. During times of crisis and disaster, these women’s groups are often the first to spring into action, showing their dedication to their communities. As such, ECOWEB endeavors to help and champion them in their work.

This International Women’s Day, let us commemorate not only the women who have prevailed upon their hardships, but also those who are still fighting their own battles as well. May their stories inspire us not just to change our own lives for the better but also to become agents of change that will pave the way towards a fair and just future.