The SM Group supports women empowerment through various programs across its core and portfolio companies while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc. (PGPC), a part of SM’s portfolio investments, said it has been enabling communities in Tiwi, Albay since the 1970s when it started geothermal development in the area through its predecessor, Philippine Geothermal Inc. Among its many programs is empowering Tiwi women weavers who are known for their skills in crafting abaca products and ceramics.
Ate Pearl, who is known in Barangay Lourdes and among USWAG members, formed a women’s group in 2006 composed of elderly, housewives, and mothers wanting to have extra income for their families but were challenged by the lack of capital to jumpstart any initiative.
PGPC, seeing these women needed support, provided resources in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Albay province, including training on threading abaca fiber, product development and budgeting.
These women formed a group called United Stakeholders Working to Achieve Growth or USWAG, an apt name which stems from the local word ‘uswag’ which means ‘to progress’.
“PGPC is very supportive of community initiatives that aim to equip local community members with skills and resources toward building their livelihood,” said PGPC president Napoleon Saporsantos Jr.
With the collaboration of the Tiwi local government unit, DTI, Department of Labor and Employment, NGO ASCODE Foundation and PGPC, the women were able to attend trainings on how to improve their product and create new designs.
The additional income generating activity in the confines of Tiwi’s scenic border has now reached a wider audience through various trade fairs such as those hosted by premiere malls in Metro Manila.
Aside from abaca fibers, the group is now producing other crafts such as table runners, organizers, festive decorations, placemats and shoals.
USWAG continues to ensure that all their products are generating zero waste. For instance, shreds of abaca fibers from other products are made into sinamay bags.
PGPC, with its continued commitment to help improve the lives of its host communities through capacity-building, upskilling and other initiatives, said it has assisted over 18 organization-beneficiaries since early 2000.