The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur spearheaded a five-day free livelihood training in dressmaking for members of the Sto. Domingo Working Women’s Association (SDWWA) from July 21 to 25, 2025, at the Barangay Hall of Sto. Domingo, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.
Aiming to enhance the working women’s skills and empower them with sustainable livelihood opportunities, the CamSur PESO invited a skilled instructor from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to lead the training. Over the course of 5 days, 22 SDWWA members learned of the fundamentals of dressmaking, including sewing machine components, taking accurate body measurements, pattern-making, and sewing basic garments such as uniforms.
Corazon Gacosta, President of SDWWA, expressed her immense gratitude, emphasizing how the free training not only helped their mother-members upskill but also provided a new source of income.
“Dakula po an pasasalamat ko ta natawanan kami ning pa-training ta iniyo dakula pong tabang samo na mga nanay na mayong hanapbuhay. [Lalo na sa] panahon ngunyan, dae na po pwede na saro lang ang mahanapbuhay sa pamilya, kaipuhan po talaga tarabang,” explained Gacosta, reiterating that while their housewife mother-members do a great job caring for their families, it wouldn’t hurt to have a “sideline” to help meet their daily needs.
Aside from the free livelihood training, Gacosta also proudly mentioned that the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur had already supported their association when it was just starting, by providing initial capital and automatic sewing machines.
This training reflects the ongoing commitment of the Provincial Government, under Governor Lray Villafuerte, to support grassroots organizations and foster inclusive economic development across communities in Camarines Sur.
