Skills training empowers IP communities

In a concerted effort to empower Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and promote sustainable, culturally grounded livelihoods, a Skills Training on Souvenir Making was conducted for members of the Ayta Ambala community at the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO) in Barangay Tubo-tubo, Dinalupihan last June 18.

The activity was organized through the collaboration of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). It aimed to enhance the economic capacity of the Ayta Ambala while preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage through locally crafted products.

The training centered on the utilization of bamboo, a natural resource abundantly available within the Ayta Ambala ancestral lands, to produce high-quality, culturally inspired souvenir items.

Participants received expert guidance from Engr. Marlon Pabustan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), who delivered comprehensive lectures on product development, packaging, and labeling—key components for successful market entry and product sustainability.

The activity was graced by former Board Member Gaudencio Ferrer, who extended his support to the initiative and reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly in empowering marginalized sectors such as indigenous communities.

Through initiatives such as this, the Provincial Government of Bataan reaffirms its dedication to the protection of indigenous rights and traditions, while equipping IP communities with practical skills that promote self-sufficiency and economic resilience.