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.

Nurturing Abilities: Jenny Escudero’s Journey

Among the dedicated women of HAPIsabela is Jenny Escudero, a PWD from Isabela City who joined the association in 2018 after participating in TESDA training. Jenny’s journey mirrors that of many women in the association – driven by the desire to support her family and community while defying personal challenges.

“Hlo, good day po sa lahat. Ako po si Ms. Jenny M. Escudero from Isabela City, Basilan. Active women member po ako sa aming Barangay. Kasama un iba pong women members,” Jenny began. In 2018, she took part in TESDA training, where she and her peers learned to create products made from tarpaulin materials.

The training led to further growth, as Jenny and others pursued NCII certification exams, which they passed. This certification became their stepping stone to continuing dressmaking, further strengthened by the local government’s support and Mayor Dadah Hataman’s leadership. Jenny and her group eventually formalized their association under DOLE, becoming part of the HAPIsabela Women Dressmakers Association.

“Dahil dressmaker un pangalan nakaregister sa TESDA, tuloy po kami sa grupo. Nag-decide po ang grupo ipa-register sa DOLE, kaya naging HAPIsabela Women Dressmaker Association na po kami,” Jenny explained. With the LGU’s help, they received sewing machines, allowing them to continue their work from home.

Jenny expressed gratitude for the opportunities that came with joining the association. “Malaki ang tulong po ng HAPIsabela, kasi nagkaincome po,” she added, highlighting how the sewing projects provided a consistent source of income.

During the pandemic, Jenny and her peers faced challenges, but they quickly pivoted by producing reusable face masks in response to high demand. “Malaki un tulong sa grupo. Un order po ng LGU ng facemask sunod-sunod. Kahit nasa bahay lang, may income po,” she recalled.

The pandemic not only provided income but also reinforced the association’s role in supporting their community. The masks they produced were distributed to frontliners and residents, creating a deep sense of pride in their work. “Proud din po kasi un facemask na ginagawa namin malaking tulong po sa community at frontliners,” Jenny said.

Jenny credits the Accelerate Program for expanding their horizons and boosting their confidence. “Malaking tulong po ang Accelerate. Maraming training para ma-improve ang products namin. Umorder po sila tapos pinadala sa Manila,” she recounted. Jenny took special pride in crafting clutch bags that were sold during trade fairs, describing the experience as overwhelmingly positive.

Her message to other PWDs and women facing doubts is one of perseverance and faith. “Fight lang po. Think positive lang. Mahabang pasensya lalo sa mga taong mahilig maghusga. Pray to God and thank Him every day,” she advised.

Jenny Escudero’s story exemplifies the inclusive and empowering spirit of HAPIsabela, demonstrating that resilience, community, and opportunity can pave the way for lasting change.

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 machines." 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 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.”

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.

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