Forty-five Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain commenced a journey on skill enhancement and empowerment by participating in a specialized dressmaking training program designed to provide them with valuable new skills.
Held at the Majestic Hotel in Juffair on 4th July 2025, the comprehensive training, spanning seven Fridays was a collaborative effort between Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the community-based women organization Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
In her welcome remarks, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay warmly greeted the participants, noting the profound importance of OWWA programs like this. She listed the reasons why the trainings are crucial tools for the OFWs, not merely as an issue of learning immediately, but also as part of their successful integration in their home country, to be able to pursue entrepreneurship or a steady job.
The significant event was graced by the new Labor Attaché, Dr. Orville A. Balitoc, underscoring the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting its nationals abroad.
Among the enthusiastic participants was Erlinda Descartin Lumiguid, a 40‑year‑old domestic helper from La Filipina, Tagum, Davao del Norte. She travelled by bus for over an hour to arrive at the venue for the initial session, Ms. Lumiguid conveyed her profound gratitude for the program.
“I am very thankful to OWWA for this opportunity. Learning how to make dress will offer me more opportunities, not only here but particularly when I return home. It is something that I can utilize in order to begin for my other source of income. I do not have the finances to enroll on my own, I’ve always wanted to—I even can’t afford materials, but here I will learn and it’s free.
This is the sentiment most OFWs—particularly those in the household service sector—are not economically placed to pay for training themselves. The free dressmaking course offered are thus greatly valued and appreciated.
The Dressmaking training is one of the activities that OWWA, MWO, and other stakeholders pursue in order to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It helps equip them with the capacity to build better and brighter futures for themselves both overseas and back home. These programs significantly help turn challenges into opportunities for Filipino foreign workers.
Meanwhile, Maritess ”Mayet’ Ramiro, 42, from Torrijos Marinduque, is a Sales Executive at Bahrain Modern Mills & Roasters and has been a resident of Bahrain for the past 17 years. She is among the participants in the dressmaking workshop. Expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity, she stated:
“I would like to learn how to sew a dress and improve my general sewing skills so that I can explore something new. This is a common pursuit among women, and there are numerous benefits—if you possess sewing skills, you can avoid the costs associated with tailoring services. Additionally, it is an enjoyable activity; even mending torn garments or pants can be quite soothing. Instead of spending my time aimlessly scrolling through my phone, I would prefer to engage in sewing.”
Mayet emphasized that sewing serves a practical purpose—assisting with garment repairs—and also acts as a hobby that brings both satisfaction and relaxation.
During the first meeting of the workshop, Dinah Sta. Ana, the President of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), extended her sincere appreciation to OWWA and MWO for their confidence and partnership with her organization. She emphasized the collaborative effort necessary to create meaningful opportunities for OFWs in the Kingdom, promoting a culture of mutual assistance and community advancement. She articulated the significance of engaging in training for personal enhancement and development.
Since the program launched in 2022, it has been headed by seasoned volunteer instructor Epifania “Ping” Flores Fuyoc, a 56-year-old fashion expert from Roxas, Capiz, Dumalag, Ms. Fuyoc not only dedicated her time and skills but also personally chooses assistant instructors from the previous graduating classes to train the incoming batch.
Gregarian with former participants, Epifania’s mentorship emphasizes practical skills—choice of fabric, pattern cutting, cutting, sewing, and finishing—and engenders an extremely strong sense of community and confidence among the trainees.
The assistant teachers selected from previous dressmaking training batches were: Sharlyn T. Vergara, Estelita A.Arandia, Myra M.Tabobtabon, Ma.Lourdes Majestrado, Rosario Constantino, Merlinda Dimaunahan, Rosela C.Lontes, Lorily Agustin, Eden Tulliao, Maria Emma Delapina, Evangeline B. Pilotin, Melissa De Guzman and Mercedita D.Tabangcura.
These former participants have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment and now assist Ms. Fuyoc in guiding the current batch of learners through hands-on dressmaking practice.
Personnel from the OWWA and MWO were also present to assist during the training.
While dressmaking needles are instruments of change, such training program is more than sewing—it’s empowerment and potential. By learning real skills and building confidence, it not only enables OFWs to mend clothes but to rebuild their lives—either as home-based tailoring ventures or to enhance employability upon their return.
