Manama, Bahrain—On 22 August 2025, thirty-seven Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) celebrated their graduation from the Basic Dressmaking Skills Training Program held at the Arman Hotel in Juffair. This program was organized by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with its Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), alongside the women’s organization, Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
The graduation ceremony commenced with a solemn procession of graduates, followed by an invocation led by Maria Emma Delapina. The program was formally set in motion with welcoming remarks from Dinah Sta. Ana, who warmly recognized the graduates, guests, and partners. In her message, she underscored the value of perseverance and community support in achieving success, setting an inspiring tone for the occasion.
Adding prestige to the event was the presence of distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis, Consul Jess Bryan T. Baguio, Labor Attaché Dr. Oriville Ballitoc, Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, and Ms. Celia V. Cabadonga, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Labor Attaché Dr. Orville Ballitoc conveyed his congratulations to the graduates, commending their perseverance and commitment. In his inspirational talk, he delivered uplifting news that further elevated the dignity of Filipinos.
In her keynote speech, Ambassador Louis commended the graduates for their dedication to enhancing their skills and personal growth, highlighting the program’s significance in enabling OFWs to achieve self-sufficiency and pursue livelihoods beyond working abroad. She acknowledged the essential contributions of the head teacher, Ms. Epifania Fuyoc, along with the teacher assistants, whose mentorship and assistance were crucial to the success of the training and the development of the participants. Additionally, she declared the end of her term, with Consul Jess Bryan T. Baguio set to assume the role of Charge de Affairs.
The seven-week initiative was designed to provide OFWs with practical skills that facilitate entrepreneurship and generate income from home. Guided by head trainer Ms. Epifania Fuyoc and the assistant teachers, the trainees successfully completed their final project by designing gowns inspired by Maria Clara, the traditional Filipino attire that represents grace and cultural heritage, named after the famous character from Dr. José Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere.
All the graduates willingly received their Certificate of Completion, while teachers received a Certificate of Appreciation for their valuable guidance and contribution in the training process.
Pinay Ikaw Na honored Ambassador Louis with a Plaque of Appreciation for her outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and sterling commitment to empowering Filipinos overseas.
Graduates were organized into groups, each assigned a distinct color theme, which contributed vibrancy and a personal touch to the graduation celebration.
Among the trainees was Jenny Gabuya Javier, 44, from Davao City, who has been working as a housemaid in Sanad for the past 10 years. Despite the weekly one-and-a-half-hour commute from Sanad to Isa Town, then to Manama, and finally to the training venue at the Majestic Hotel. Jenny remained steadfast in completing the course, persevering even through the challenges of Bahrain’s scorching summer.
She expressed her gratitude for the steadfast support of her Bahraini employer. Jenny remarked, “I consider myself fortunate as my employers wholeheartedly back my dressmaking endeavor. They are aware of my enrollment in this course and my dedication to completing it. My employer even mentioned, ‘It’s beneficial to have this type of initiative from the Philippine government—it’s extremely advantageous for you.’”
When asked about her motivation, she explained, “I wanted to focus on my personal development and improve my skills.” Looking ahead, Jenny aspires to put her learning into practice either by finding work in dressmaking or starting a small business once she returns home. “My plan for the future is to apply what I’ve learned in the course, if I go home for good, by starting a small business of my own,” she said with determination.
Another trainee, Marife Reyes, 53, a sales representative, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Mey, an electrical engineer, for his unwavering support. Mey patiently drove her and her groupmates to and from the training sessions, even during late-night group meetings to finish their projects.
Ms. Epifania Fuyoc shared her joy in seeing the trainees wear the gowns they made themselves:
“It brings me so much happiness to have shared what I’ve learned in sewing and fashion. Seeing each of them proudly wearing the garments they made themselves was truly heartwarming,” Ms. Epifania Fuyoc said.
She encourages graduates to stay committed to their craft, “To our new graduates, just keep practicing until you truly master the craft. Don’t worry about making mistakes or having to undo stitches, that’s all part of the learning process. Just don’t lose patience.”
Each group presented their dance performances, infusing the program with energy, liveliness, and entertainment. Spanning from traditional routines to contemporary pieces, the presentations highlighted the creativity and talent of the participants.
The audience reacted with applause and cheers, rendering this segment one of the most dynamic and engaging aspects of the event.
In her concluding remarks, Owwa Welfare Officer, Ms. Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, lauded the graduates for the exceptional progress they demonstrated during the training program.
“From day one up to the last session, I witnessed how much you have improved. From working with simple fabric, you were able to transform it into something truly fabulous,” Gumabay expressed in her speech.
Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), the women’s organization collaborated for the program, takes pride in being the sole organization to have facilitated six batches of this training. The president, Dinah Sta. Ana, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to Philippine Embassy, OWWA and MWO for their ongoing trust and support towards the organization.
The Philippine government, through OWWA and MWO, continues to empower OFWs through various training programs lined up for the future, including Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy, Massage Therapy, Meat Processing, and Cosmetology. These initiatives are part of the reintegration program designed to equip Filipino workers with practical business skills and livelihood opportunities, supporting their smooth transition back home.
Dr. Ilene Valian A. Agana, an officer of Pinay Ikaw Na and the CEO of Eagle Mind Consultancies, served as the program facilitator. Known for her leadership in entrepreneurship and active involvement in community development initiatives in Bahrain, Dr. Agana brought both expertise and inspiration to the event.
