RC Cebu Gloria Maris Threads Hope into Urban Poor Communities Through Sewing Livelihoods

Where fabric meets purpose, and community meets opportunity.

Empowering Urban Poor Families Through PATAHI-AN

In Rotary Year 2024–2025, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris reaffirmed its commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable community development by launching PATAHI-AN, a sewing livelihood initiative designed to uplift urban poor families in Budlaan, Cebu City. This project equips participants with practical sewing skills and the necessary tools to pursue home-based income opportunities, fostering both individual growth and community resilience.

Project Launch and Community Collaboration

The PATAHI-AN project was officially implemented on April 30, 2025, at the St. Vincent Ville Homeowners Association (HOA) Multipurpose Hall. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), which played a vital role in identifying beneficiaries and facilitating the program’s rollout. The active involvement of St. Vincent Ville HOA, led by its dynamic President Luzminda Baguio, was instrumental in mobilizing participants and ensuring the training addressed the community’s specific needs.

Inspiration and Mentorship from RITAZO

Drawing inspiration from the RITAZO Tingub Women Workers’ Association-a women-led cooperative in Mandaue City that successfully transformed lives through sewing-the PATAHI-AN project sought to replicate this model of empowerment. Leaders from RITAZO and LAW INC., including Maylin Ligad, Mark Joseph Melgar, and Eva Linao, joined the event to share their experiences and conduct hands-on demonstrations. Their journey from learning basic sewing to building a self-sustaining enterprise provided a powerful example and source of motivation for the Budlaan participants.

Leadership and Rotary Support

The launch was graced by the presence of President Myra Urbiztondo, her husband and fellow Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo, Assistant Governor Christine Tan Ashby, and Rotarian Hazael Urbiztondo. Their attendance highlighted the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris’ steadfast commitment to championing women’s empowerment and advancing economic resilience in underserved communities.

Skills Training and New Opportunities

Participants, many of whom were new to sewing, underwent basic training in operating industrial sewing machines and creating simple products such as face masks, eco-friendly tote bags, and basic garments. The hands-on workshop not only introduced a valuable skill but also opened up new pathways for generating income from home.

A Vision for Sustainable Livelihoods

PATAHI-AN is more than a one-day workshop-it marks the beginning of a broader vision. The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris aims to guide the Budlaan group in forming a local sewing cooperative, modeled after RITAZO’s success. This vision includes ongoing mentorship, sourcing of equipment and materials, and developing market linkages to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

Rotary’s Commitment to Economic and Community Development

By equipping participants with both knowledge and inspiration, PATAHI-AN addresses one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus: Economic and Community Development. The project also embodies the Rotary Four-Way Test, ensuring fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit within the community.

Collective Effort and Lasting Impact

The success of PATAHI-AN is a testament to the collective effort of partner agencies, resource persons, club members, and volunteers. Inspired by the achievements of RITAZO, the St. Vincent Ville HOA group in Budlaan is now ready to embark on its own livelihood journey. More than just a skills training, this initiative represents the start of a transformative path-one that brings hope and opportunity to the women and families of Budlaan, stitch by stitch.

Submitted by: Dorothy Borces, Director of Public Image, Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris