The Mountain Province Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) concluded a three-day skills training seminar for Sagada senior citizens held from June 5 to 7 2024.
The skills training aims to provide knowledge and potential sustainable livelihood programs among senior citizens in response to the requests of Sagada residents.Due to the said training is under the supervision of the governor’s office in partnership with the Department of Trade Industry (DTI).
According to Venus Padayaw, PSWDO Senior Cooperative Development Specialist, the activity will benefit the participants as the training activities are intended for them in a way they can still work at home by using their hands.With the product they made, it serves as their source of income through selling them.
During the skills training focused on making souvenirs which is a relevant skill considering Sagada’s popularity as a tourist destination. This can help them to have a viable livelihood and source of income.
Aileen Fateg,PSWDO staff who conducted the skills training enhancement explained that the program caters to the tourist market so the participants can choose souvenirs like key chains, ref magnets, and necklaces as their product.
Padayaw elaborated that the” seminar is an opportunity not only for skills development but also serves as their daily habit or entertainment, with its open discussion.”
Padayaw added, a lot of senior citizens are experiencing various sickness especially Alzheimer’s disease. Through this program, it can help them mental stimulation and promote healthy well-being of the seniors.
Rosalia Padayaw, a 78-years-old Sagada resident stated, “ dakkel iti tulong ta imbes nga gumatang ka dagituy a souvenir, why don’t you make your own and sell”.[It helps a lot because instead of buying these souvenirs, why don’t you make your own and sell it].
She believes that the acquired skills from training will help them and other senior citizens to establish a livelihood for them to provide for their daily needs.