Showcasing loom woven products of 3 stars together with Mr. Pedrola of UNDP
Three cooperatives, counting members are the former internally displaced residents in Lanao del Sur received
needed boost to their sustenance in a fresh livelihood support from donors.
On June 24–25 the Maranao People Development Center (MARADECA), Inc., and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) turned over sewing machines and a tricycle to three cooperatives, which were formed after a bloody 2017 siege of Marawi City that displaced not only city residents but also many lakeside municipalities. The event marked a key step in helping conflict-affected communities rebuild through resilience and self-reliance of these cooperatives, the MARADECA said. The Pagnao ko Masa Cooperative of 60 active members in the municipality of Tugaya was given six sewing machines to boost its handicraft, dressmaking, tailoring, and garment production. Its members have been producing traditional baor malong, and uniforms for local markets.
The 3 Stars Credit Cooperative of 33 members in Marantao was also given six sewing machines in addition to its existing machines that were used in its community tailoring projects. The new machines will be used to set up a community sewing center to produce loom-woven for sale in nearby towns. This cooperative was established in 2019 and sustained itself through credit and savings services and small-scale trading. The Marinaut 16’ers Credit Cooperative, with the basic 15 IDP families as members in Sagonsongan, Marawi City, received a Maxima Cargo Bajaj tri-wheeler, or tricycle, which will be used for delivery services, hauling of goods, and cooperative operations.
The cooperative will have good use of the tricycle to deliver water to households in the Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter for fellow evacuees, easing the burden of families who struggle with access to water for daily household chores. Particularly for 3 Stars Cooperative, MARADECA has helped it since 2019, not only in enhancing the skills of members but also helped in building its sustainable livelihood. “And now, we are truly grateful for receiving these sewing machines from UNDP and MARADECA.” said Norlinza Abedin, president of 3 Stars Cooperative.
“While the assistance provided by the UNDP program may seem small, our vision and ambition to support you are much greater. We may not be able to provide everything you request, but we firmly believe in your strength, resilience, and creativity to make the most of what is given. Every form of support, whether big or small, carries deep value because it comes from the heart. Today, we entrust you with the assistance provided, and we hope you will care for it and use it as a tool to build a brighter and more sustainable future for your community,” said Mr. Noel Pedrola, UNDP program officer.
