Aetas in San Luis, Batangas undergo basic course in sewing
The science and technology interventions for the indigenous community of Aetas in Barangay Banoyo, San Luis, Batangas continues!
Women members of the Aeta community were trained in the basic course on sewing as a kick-off activity for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded solar-powered sewing services enterprise that ran from 31 January to 01 February 2022.
The course covered the topics on sewing technology, parts of the sewing machine, steps on setting up the machine, mensuration, and calculation, taking body measurements, drafting and cutting of patterns, and the sewing process. Measuring, cutting, and marking tools were individually discussed and explained to familiarize the women members with their uses. A lecture was also conducted before the demonstration and hands-on activities. Outputs from the sewing activities were rags, draft patterns, and blouses.
John Mark H. Alberto and Julianna V. De Jesus, both from the Enrique Zobel Technical Center (ENZOTech) in Calatagan, Batangas, facilitated the course. According to Alberto, the women members were fast learners and demonstrated a strong interest in learning each process. “Sa totoo lamang po, nilampasan n’yo po ang aking expectations. Mabilis po kayong matuto at madali n’yo pong nakukuha ang mga itinuturo namin. Nawa po ay maipagpatuloy ninyo ang aming mga naituro,” he added.
Trained women members also expressed their appreciation for the series of interventions they have been receiving from DOST under the DOST CALABARZON’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology project entitled “Project Aetaguyod: Establishment of an S&T Based Community Livelihood for Aetas in San Luis, Batangas”. They also expressed their commitment to making their enterprise sustainable. As they gear towards realizing the objectives of their community enterprise, they promised to continue working to master the sewing process and use of the equipment.
"Magpapractice po kami nang magpapractice para po matuto kami. Pagbalik nyo po ay maalam na kami," Arlene Dela Luna, one of the women members, said.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit of San Luis, Enrique Zobel Foundation, Inc., Batangas State University – Lipa Extension Services Office, and Young Entrepreneurs and Seniors (YES) Club Philippines, Inc. also partook in the activity. They extended their assistance and provided initial support to the community.
Succeeding activities for the community will include training on business and financial management, marketing, and product improvement and development. The organizations mentioned above are also working together to raise funds for the establishment of a production facility for the group. (DOST-Batangas)
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