Stitching Sustainability: The Hapisabela Dressmakers' Story
Born to a family of five siblings in Isabela City, Basilan, Yolanda Savariz, President of Hapisabela Dressmakers Association, recalls her humble beginnings.
"I came from a poor family. My father was a tailor, while my mother stayed at home to take care of the family," she narrated.
Despite her family's challenges when she was younger, Yolanda was also to pursue a college education in Zamboanga City but was unable to finish her studies.
She later on got married and dedicated herself to raising her three children as a homemaker.
"Before, I was just at home. Sometimes I would look for ways to earn additional income for my family such as Avon and Natasha." added Yolanda.
Sparking skills in sewing through TESDA
Life took an unexpected turn for Yolanda in 2019 when she joined a 33-day TESDA training in dressmaking under the NCII program, with the help of the local government unit.
Together with 24 other women, they received comprehensive training, as well as sewing machines that helped them continue their journey in sewing and dressmaking.
After their graduation from the TESDA program, she and her neighbors decided to create their own organization, the HAPIsabela Women Dressmakers Association, which they also formally registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Yolanda was elected as the President of her organization, a recognition of her enduring commitment to championing women’s empowerment and fostering sustainable livelihoods in their local community.
With the newfound skills and organization, the HAPIsabela Women Dressmakers Association began creating different products such as reusable and recycled bags that they sold and supplied to stall owners in the city market.
Resilience in the time of the pandemic
In 2020, just as their business was gaining momentum, the pandemic struck, causing significant disruptions. Isabela city felt the impact acutely, as many of their goods were sourced from Zamboanga City, and boat transport was suddenly restricted.
"Many of our customers in the market were also heavily affected and couldn’t pay for the bags we had supplied to them," she shared.
Despite these challenges, the HapIsabela Dressmakers quickly pivoted and responded to the needs during that time.
They shifted their focus to sewing and supplying reusable face masks, which was on high demand because of the nationwide shortage of disposable face masks.
Yolanda and her organization produced over 30,000 masks during the pandemic, helping her and her colleagues earn much-needed income during uncertain times.
"It was also very beneficial for us because we did not need to go out to work. We just stayed at home and created the face masks using our sewing machings." Yolanda emphasized.
"It was also very beneficial for us because we did not need to go out to work. We just stayed at home and created the face masks using our sewing machings." Yolanda emphasized.
Accelerating what they have started
In March 2022, the HapIsabela Women Dressmakers Association attended a financial literacy training program for the first time.
As their participation to the program continued, they also received a grant that helped them purchase high-speed sewing machines and more raw materials.
With these resources, the Hapisabela Dressmakers Association association expanded its operations. She also shared how much the program has helped her and her fellow members to gain confidence, receive exposure, and even opportunities to travel outside of Basilan independently for the first time.
Their individual incomes have also doubled from PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000 per month, since they received training and support from the Accelerate program.
“If it weren’t for Accelerate, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today,” Yolanda expressed with gratitude.
She reflected on how the program brought attention to their skills and empowered them to believe in their potential. “We felt that our abilities were valued. It made us realize that we’re capable of achieving so much more, beyond our roles as housewives.”
“We felt that our abilities were recognized. It made us realize that we are capable of doing things aside from being a housewife.”
Braving the future ahead
While the association faces challenges like increasing raw material costs and the waning interest of younger generations in sewing, Yolanda remains hopeful.
She dreams of acquiring more advanced machines to sustain their livelihood and inspire others.
Her message to women: “If there are opportunities for training, they should definitely join so that they discover that they are capable of doing so much more than what you are used to.”
She hopes that Accelerate will continue helping women like them and even other women grow their talents and potential, while also making additional sources of income.
ABOUT THIS STORY
Through the Accelerate Program, USAID and The Asia Foundation promote women’s economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a newly established area in the Southern Philippines that has the highest poverty incidence in the country after decades of armed conflict.
From 2020 to 2024, the USAID program has helped nearly 3,000 women succeed as entrepreneurs and in the workforce through skills training, assistance in building connections, and facilitating access to new markets. The women include indigenous people, former women combatants, victims of violence, and overseas female workers who returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit https://www.usaid.gov/philippines to learn more about USAID in the Philippines.