Are you planning to get rid of your old newspapers? Don’t do it.
Several residents in Valenzuela City were glad with their decision to keep their piles of old newspapers, which proved to be useful in creating another source of income for their families.
About 15 people learned how to transform old broadsheet papers into decorative bags just by participating in Dyaryo Bag-Making Training-Seminar that was held at the Valenzuela Convention Center from August 27 to 30 and at WIN Action Center from September 1 to 2.
The six-day training seminar was part of Valenzuela City Congressman Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian’s WinTayo sa Kabuhayan Program. The livelihood project teaches participants on how to weave newspaper strips into fancy bags, which participants may sell for a living.
Brigette Quano – one of the 15 participants from volunteer groups WIN Mothers Club, REX Ladies, and Valenzuela City Red Cross Coordinators – commended the extensive training seminar for being livelihood-oriented and environment-friendly.
“Hindi lang ito basta dagdag kabuhayan kundi natututo pa tayong mag-recycle,” Quano said.
Lourdes Ocampo , dyaryo bag-making facilitator, said the hands-on training took several days because of their keen attention to detail.
“Ang paggawa ng dyaryo bag ay hindi pwede ng isang araw lamang dahil hindi rin ito ganoon kadali. Dapat maayos ang pag-cut niyo ng dyaryo kasi kung hindi magiging maayos, hindi na maganda ang kalalabasan ng bag,” Ms. Ocampo said in the seminar.
Once the training ends, participants will become trainers in their respective groups that will teach other future beneficiaries to spread the knowledge of bag-making and create a multiplier effect.
“Balak ko ring ituro ang paggawa ng dyaryo bag sa aking mga kasama (sa REX Ladies Federation). Sa gayon, makakatulong rin ako sa kanila para may mapagkunan sila ng dagdag na kita,” Brigitte added.
If you want to participate in the second Dyaryo Bag-Making Training Seminar, kindly coordinate Ms. Liza Allen by calling at (02) 352-0549 from Mondays to Fridays. (Camille Nepomuceno)