In a meaningful step toward healing and self-empowerment, Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), hosted a week-long sewing skills training from September 8 to 12 at the DSWD Home for Girls in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.
Now in its third year, the ‘Sewing Skills Training for DSWD Beneficiaries: Crafting Souvenirs’ initiative offers more than just sewing techniques as it equips survivors of violence with practical skills, emotional resilience, and a strengthened sense of independence.
Led by Project Leader Dr. Maria Esther F. Medalla, the activity brought together expert trainers Mr. Joseph D. Arquillano, Ms. Zerachiell Shielly A. Bohol, and the CTU College of Technology (COT) team. Together with Ms. Jenifer S. Abastillas, from the DSWD Home for Girls Center, the team delivered a hands-on curriculum crafted to suit diverse learning abilities.
Participants took part in intensive hands-on workshops in souvenir-making, where they crafted practical and marketable items, including tote bags, aprons, makeup pouches, and pillowcases.
The training accommodated varying skill levels of the participants through individualized support for beginners and more advanced tasks for those with prior experience. Collaborative learning, guided mentorship, and staggered practice schedules allowed for optimal engagement throughout the sewing sessions.
The program featured a pre-assessment, practical exercises, and culminated in a certificate ceremony that celebrated not just technical achievement, but personal transformation. CTU’s Extension Project Leaders, experts, team members, and DSWD representatives joined in recognizing the participants’ dedication and progress.
With this initiative, the university exemplifies its ongoing commitment to inclusive education, community empowerment, and outcome-based training, where each stitch symbolizes resilience, hope, and opportunity.
