ILOILO CITY — A group of women from vulnerable sectors celebrated their graduation from the WISE Women Design and Product Development Training on July 8, 2026, after a week of hands‑on learning. The program, part of Project SALOG, is turning discarded fabrics into a source of sustainable income.
A Week of Creative Transformation
Participants spent seven intensive days mastering design and pattern‑making under the guidance of Magge Dela Cruz, the creative force behind Modern Ilongga. The designer taught them to transform raw ideas into structured garments and accessories. By the final session, the women were confidently stitching pieces that could grace local boutiques.
The curriculum went beyond basic sewing, introducing techniques that elevate upcycled materials into high‑value products. Each participant learned to identify quality fabrics from textile waste and apply professional finishing. The hands‑on approach ensured that every woman left with both a new skill and a finished piece to show for it.
From Waste to Wearable Art
At the heart of the training is circular fashion—converting pre‑loved clothes, textile scraps, and fabric offcuts into market‑ready goods. The women worked with materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, giving them a second life. This model not only reduces waste but also creates a local supply chain rooted in sustainability.
The finished products ranged from casual wear to elegant accessories, all bearing the distinct mark of Ilonggo craftsmanship. Many participants, some of whom were former waste pickers, now see themselves as artisans. The training bridged the gap between environmental responsibility and economic empowerment.
Empowering Women Through Green Livelihoods
The WISE program, which stands for Women in Iloilo City for Sustainable Endeavors, specifically targets women from grassroots communities. By equipping them with marketable skills, the city is creating a pathway out of poverty. Graduates can now form cooperatives, accept bulk orders, and generate steady income for their families.
Beyond the financial benefits, the training instilled a deep sense of pride and independence. The women discovered their own creativity and learned that their hands could produce goods that people want to buy. The program also introduced basic entrepreneurship, teaching pricing, costing, and simple bookkeeping.
Global Partnerships Fuel Local Change
Project SALOG operates under the EU‑Philippines Green Economy Partnership, a flagship program funded by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources spearheads the national effort, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the United Nations Development Programme co‑lead the #GreenLGUs objective. This multi‑layered support ensures that the training aligns with global climate goals.
The Angat Buhay Foundation also played a crucial role by turning over heavy‑duty sewing machines and starter kits. These tools, combined with technical mentorship, allow the women to immediately apply their new skills. The partnership model demonstrates how government, international agencies, and civil society can work together to build resilient communities.
A Future Stitched with Confidence
The success of Batch 2 builds on earlier rounds of training that have already produced high‑end Filipiniana and Barong garments from recycled fabrics. The city plans to continue the series, reaching more women across different barangays. Each new graduate becomes an ambassador for the circular economy, inspiring others to see waste differently.
As the women packed away their completed projects, the atmosphere was one of celebration and quiet determination. They now possess not just technical ability, but the confidence to turn their creativity into a lasting livelihood. Iloilo City’s investment in its women is proving that a greener future can also be a more equitable one.
