The day began with hope and unity as Ma’am Margiogen Lomigo, a participant in the training, led a heartfelt prayer. With aprons tied and hairnets in place, the group of eager women from Barangay Janipaan Oeste gathered to kickstart their journey into a culinary livelihood, guided by the team from SEA Inc. Ms. Angelic, the lead facilitator, introduced the objectives of the training, outlining the exciting plans that awaited them.

Ms. Angelic took a moment to explain the foundation of SEA’s Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program. This initiative, she highlighted, is focused on empowering barangays like Jelicuon Este by addressing various development needs. Today’s training fell under one of the 7 Dimensions of SIAD: Economic Development. By learning new livelihood skills, the participants were investing in their future, gaining the knowledge to create additional income streams for themselves and their families.

While waiting for the Maja Blanca to cook, Ms. Angelic kept the energy flowing by moving on to the next recipe: Kutsinta, a popular Filipino rice cake. Participants mixed the ingredients and poured the batter into molds before placing them in the steamer. The pace was steady but enjoyable as everyone worked together to complete the dishes.

Next on the menu was Puto Cheese, another crowd-pleaser. With two groups simultaneously preparing Kutsinta and Puto Cheese, the kitchen buzzed with activity. Added also by Pulvoron making. By the end of the session, the delicious aromas of freshly made desserts filled the air, and a colorful array of Maja Blanca, Pulvoron, Kutsinta, and Puto Cheese sat proudly on the table.

From Feedback to Future Plans

As the women gathered around to taste their culinary creations, Ms. Angelic offered encouraging feedback. The desserts looked exactly as they should, she noted, and the flavors were spot-on. She also gave valuable advice on product packaging, reminding participants that presentation plays a significant role in attracting customers. Investing in packaging, whether through plasticware or paper plates, would help elevate their products when they start accepting orders.

SEA Inc. generously offered the remaining ingredients to the participants, empowering them to continue practicing and improving their skills beyond the training. The vision didn’t stop there—Ms. Angelic hinted at future livelihood projects that could further expand their income-generating opportunities.

Gratitude and Growth

Before the day concluded, the vice president of HUGPONG, a local community group, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of all the participants: “We are very thankful for having this additional skill. We have learned a lot, and this will be our additional menu for our livelihood.”

This training not only equipped the women of Janipaan Oeste with new skills but also opened doors to economic empowerment. With the support of SEA and the knowledge gained, they now have the opportunity to grow their small businesses and contribute to their community’s development. Sustainability and innovation are at the core of this initiative, ensuring that these women can build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

The success of this event is just the beginning, with plans to continue supporting the participants as they turn their training into sustainable livelihoods. With ongoing mentorship, access to resources, and a shared sense of purpose, the women of Janipaan Oeste are well on their way to creating lasting economic opportunities.