Office of the Vice President
23 May 2017
Angat Buhay partners, the Metrobank Foundation Inc (MBFI) and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), in collaboration with the Angat Buhay local partner, Al Mujadilah Development Foundation Inc (AMDF) brings aid to the women weavers of Marawi.
A total donation of Php 100,000.00 has been turned over to the women weavers of Brgy. Dayawan, Marawi City through the AMDF. This will be used to purchase handlooms and other materials for the women weavers.
Angat Buhay partner MBFI, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies, strives to contribute to nation building by actively implementing and supporting programs that address development issues, especially those of the marginalized communities.
The struggles of the women of Marawi are not confined to earning income for their families, but also have been on the plight to continue and keep alive the tradition of weaving. Limited market and scarcity of materials have made it harder for them to make this a profitable livelihood that can provide for the needs of their families.
“Culture and tradition are part of our identity as Filipinos and I am proud to say that the Ateneo de Manila University has always taken great strides in ensuring that we never forget our heritage through various programs, research, and social entrepreneurship opportunities. Our partnership with MBFI has always been driven by our mutual desire to improve the life and development of our country,” said Dr. Antonette Palma- Angeles, Vice President for the Ateneo Professional Schools.
In March, the women raised their concerns to VP Leni Robredo when she visited them along with the Angat Buhay team. In the following months, Angat Buhay continued to call for pledges to help support the livelihood of the community in Brgy. Dayawan.
“We have brought development partners with us to the beautiful women weavers of Marawi, who will find a market for their exquisite, handwoven cloths,” shared VP Leni as she talked about the women weavers of Marawi in a women’s summit a few days after the visit.
“The dream is to give these women a chance to build a better future for their children and their families. The poor who we seek are not just beneficiaries—the help we give them do not come in forms of dole-outs or charity. They are our partners in our fight against poverty,” she added.
Apart from education, healthcare, women empowerment, housing, and food security, Angat Buhay focuses on rural development and livelihood that equips both men and women with enough knowlege and skill to allow them to make a living and build a better life for their families.