Rosita Galagar, fondly known in the community as Nanay Rosita, is a talented weaver. She is well-known for selflessly sharing her talents in the art of hand-weaving by selling her woven products and sharing her knowledge. This skill was passed down from generations before her—a tradition she hopes to continue by passing it down to her daughter, Vicky.

Exhibiting entrepreneurial spirit, Nanay Rosita started with mats and quickly expanded to high-quality bags, utility trays, and other woven handicrafts. In her free time—when she is not making her handicrafts—she can be seen selling her products in local hubs around the Municipalities of General Luna and Del Pilar, Surigao del Norte, as well as Mamas Resto in Burgos.

She has made her mark in the community in more ways than one. Together with Vicky, Nanay Rosita organizes and facilitates weaving skills training for community members and tourists alike in Ihayas Farm.

She incorporates green practices in her craft. An example is using natural materials like “boli”—a biodegradable material harvested without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. By using ethically sourced eco-friendly materials, Nanay Rosita supports the Burgos Local Government Unit’s efforts to minimize waste and mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Nanay Rosita is a project participant of CFSI’s We Can Project (WCP) in the Municipality of Burgos, Surigao Del Norte. The project aims to strengthen community resiliency through the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, particularly for communities affected by Super Typhoon Rai (local name Odette).

Currently, Nanay Rosita is undergoing treatment for cataracts, which threatens not just her vision, but also her ability to continue her livelihood and passion of sharing her talent with the community. Through the Cash for Work (CfW) initiative under the WCP, Nanay Rosita received Php 5,000 which she used to buy a pig. She hopes for the pig to serve both as an investment and an addition to her livelihood—the future earnings of which will go towards her upcoming eye cataract surgery.

Together with the Government of Australia (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia), CFSI implements the WCP in order to help rebuild the lives of 6,000 households hit by Typhoon Rai in the CARAGA Region and Region VIII through capacity strengthening initiatives.

 

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Story by: Ruth T. Virtudazo