Brgy. Mindupok, Maitum, Sarangani - January 24, 2024
Empowering Sustainable Livelihoods Through Skill Development
REIGNA successfully conducted its much-anticipated Lip Balm Production Training for 20 women participants from Barangay Mindupok, Maitum, Sarangani Province. This training marks a significant milestone in REIGNA’s mission to empower women through sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic independence. The initiative is made possible by the LEAD-FBLP Program of the Asian Institute of Management and The Asia Foundation.
The participants, comprised of mothers and young women, were guided through the process of creating lip balms using locally sourced virgin coconut oil and other natural ingredients. The training covered every step of production, from the careful selection of raw materials to the final packaging of the products, emphasizing both quality and market appeal.
Hands-On Learning for Economic Empowerment
The lip balm production training was designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that equip participants with practical skills they can use to generate income for their families and communities. The women of Barangay Mindupok were taught not only the technical aspects of lip balm production but also key entrepreneurial skills, including quality control, packaging techniques, and the fundamentals of product marketing.
"This training is not just about making lip balm," said Norhaya Lumban, local resident, youth leader, and WASP Advocate. "It is about giving these women the skills and knowledge to create a sustainable livelihood, helping them to become financially independent while contributing to their community’s well-being."
Building on REIGNA's Mission
This training session is part of the larger REIGNA initiative, which aims to foster economic independence, gender equality, and peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas. By empowering women with skills in coconut-based cosmetics production, REIGNA continues to build a foundation for long-term community development and resilience.
With this successful training, the women of Barangay Mindupok are now poised to take their first steps into the cosmetics market. The upcoming launch of the REIGNA lip balm, crafted with care and locally sourced ingredients, will not only provide a new stream of income for these women but also promote the values of empowerment and sustainability that REIGNA stands for.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the LEAD-FBLP Program of the Asian Institute of Management and The Asia Foundation for their unwavering support in making this training possible. We also wish to thank our dedicated partners and community members for their invaluable contributions: Hon. Tohamy R. Dimatingkal, Barangay Captain of Mindupok, for his unwavering support and leadership in the community. Noemi K. Cuaresma, School Head of Dimatingkal-Kamid Elementary School, for providing a conducive environment for learning and engagement. WASP Coordinators, Ms. Norhaya Lumbatan, and Ms. Noron Tarusan, for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the training. 1LT Michael Jordan and his team from Bravo Company of the 38IB Philippine Army for their invaluable security assistance, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.