CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines — Agricultural waste such as corn husks could become a source of additional income for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Isabela following a four-day skills training conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Cagayan Valley Region.
The Corn Husk Weaving Skills Training was attended by members of the San Juan OFWs Association, including former OFWs and family members of active OFWs.
Regional Director Virsie B. Tamayao said the activity is part of OWWA’s continuing efforts to equip OFWs and their families with practical skills that can support their reintegration and provide alternative sources of income, consistent with the efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen support for OFWs and promote livelihood opportunities for their families.
She said the agency continues to implement programs aimed at helping OFW families develop skills that can be turned into sustainable livelihood ventures.
During the training, participants learned the step-by-step process of preparing and handling corn husks and weaving them into finished products that can be used, marketed, and sold.
The participants were also introduced to the potential of corn husk weaving as a collective livelihood activity that could eventually be developed into an enterprise of the San Juan OFWs Association.
During the closing program, Ilagan City Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Perlita Gaoiran thanked OWWA for bringing the livelihood initiative to the city.
Gaoiran said the corn husk products could be displayed and marketed at the City Pasalubong Center, providing the participants and their organization with a possible venue to promote and sell their products.
She also vowed the continued support of the City Government of Ilagan for initiatives that provide livelihood opportunities to OFWs and their families.
Meanwhile, Melanie G. Gapasen of OWWA encouraged the participants to use the skills they acquired as a starting point for developing a sustainable livelihood.
She also expressed appreciation to the trainers, partner organizations, and private-sector stakeholders who contributed to the conduct of the training.
The activity also aimed to strengthen the San Juan OFWs Association as an organized group capable of collectively producing, marketing, and selling corn husk-based products.
Through collective production and marketing, the participants can explore additional income opportunities while developing locally made products with potential for wider markets. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela) Photos courtesy of OWWA Region 2)
