Manama, Bahrain —3 November 2025 — Members of Habi Pilipina, a community of skilled Filipino women tailors and designers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, paid a courtesy visit to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Philippine Embassy in Manama to present their group’s initiatives and explore stronger collaboration for the empowerment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The group was warmly received by Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, and Supervising Administrative Officer of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Celia V. Cabadonga. During the meeting, Habi Pilipina shared their current projects, upcoming programs, and proposals for community partnership. Embassy officials expressed appreciation and gave a positive response to the group’s efforts, commending their dedication to empowering women through livelihood, creativity, and cultural promotion.
About Habi Pilipina
Habi Pilipina is an active community of women tailors and designers composed of former trainees of the OWWA Dressmaking Course and the Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) program under the mentorship of Ms. Epifania “Ping” Fuyoc. The members belong to Batch 6 of the OWWA Dressmaking Course, united by their shared passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and empowerment.
Following their six-week Friday training, the members also completed the Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Training Program initiated by OWWA in partnership with Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL and Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN). This program enhanced their understanding of business development, marketing, and financial management.
These learning experiences inspired the formation of Habi Pilipina, a group of 5 women dedicated to sustaining the skills, creativity, and camaraderie cultivated during OWWA programs and transforming them into continuing livelihood and empowerment initiatives for Filipino women in Bahrain.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Ilene Valian A. Agana, Founder and CEO of Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL, a Bahrain-based firm specializing in entrepreneurship training, business development, and financial literacy for start-ups and migrant workers, the group gained deeper insights into entrepreneurship and reintegration opportunities.
The core members of Habi Pilipina include Epifania Fuyoc, Ruth Apurado, Lenila Ronco, Marife Reyes, and Cecilia Ancheta, women united by their passion for dressmaking, craftsmanship, and Filipino heritage.
Ongoing Skills Development through UNIDO
As part of their continuous learning journey, two Habi Pilipina members, Epifania Fuyoc and Cecilia Ancheta are currently undergoing a specialized training course under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Program (EDIP) for Creative Economy.
The training equips members with advanced technical and entrepreneurial skills, enhancing their capacity to apply their expertise effectively and develop sustainable livelihood opportunities. Aligned with UNIDO’s initiative, Habi Pilipina promotes inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship by transforming traditional craftsmanship into viable livelihood opportunities. Through fashion, sewing, and design rooted in Filipino culture, the group supports the creative economy’s goals of generating income, preserving heritage, and empowering women artisans to thrive locally and globally.
This milestone reflects the group’s commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and professional excellence.
Empowering Through Filipiniana: Weaving Heritage, Craft, and the Modern Filipina Spirit
For Habi Pilipina, promoting the Filipiniana is both an art and an advocacy, honoring cultural roots while adapting them to contemporary fashion. Each handmade piece, whether a traditional barong, a modern terno-inspired design, or an accessory made from local textiles, reflects the artistry and resilience of Filipino women.
The group envisions the Filipiniana not only as attire for special occasions but as a living expression of Filipino identity, a timeless link between the past and present, celebrating the modern Filipina who is graceful, strong, creative, and proud of her heritage.
Proposed Partnership: Habi Pilipina and Lucky Star Fashion & Tailoring
To expand their market reach and formalize their operations, Habi Pilipina has tied up a partnership and registration under Lucky Star Fashion and Tailoring, owned by Ms. Dinah E. Sta. Ana, a long-time supporter of Filipino entrepreneurship and community development in Bahrain. She is also the president of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
This collaboration seeks to merge Habi Pilipina’s creativity and craftsmanship with Lucky Star’s business experience, creating new opportunities for Filipino-made fashion and sustainable livelihoods among OFWs.
A Shared Vision for Empowerment
The visit to MWO and OWWA symbolizes Habi Pilipina’s commitment to partnership, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment. Through collaboration with OWWA, UNIDO, Eagle Mind Consultancies WLL and Lucky Star Fashion and Tailoring, the group continues to weave stories of resilience, creativity, and pride among Filipino women in Bahrain empowering them to achieve economic independence while celebrating Filipino heritage.
