This story was written by Rania Alayza Hadji Jabbar, a Field Assistant of the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP) assigned in Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter, Barangay Mipaga, and Bito Buadi Itowa Evacuation Center.
Faridah, 42, is a dressmaker. She used to get up early in the morning to prepare for another day in her tailoring shop in Padian, Marawi City. She was the breadwinner for her family of five children. Although fortunate to have her own business, life was not easy for Faridah and her husband, Minor Saga, whose disability impedes him from participating in livelihood activities.
Regrettably, Faridah was faced with a bigger challenge when Marawi was engulfed by tragedy during the siege in 2017. Located at the heart of the city, their home and her tailoring shop were overrun by violence. She and her family fled the war-torn city and found themselves in Piagapo Evacuation Center. After almost a year with still no source of income, the loss of her livelihood forced them to leave the center and go separate ways to look for jobs that would sustain their needs. There were times when they had no choice but to live on the streets for days with no roof above their heads, sitting and sleeping only on old carton boxes.
“I remember the times when we had to run away from one place to another, all we could carry were those which were light and handy. Most of our properties were left behind,” Faridah emotionally shared.
Despite all these, she never lost hope.
Being in a household in highly vulnerable circumstances, Faridah was identified as a program participant under the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP). She and her family received a sewing set as livelihood support. After having lost her small shop in the siege, she is now back with her craft, selling ready-to-wear items and hand-made malongs and bags. Not long after, she was able to grow her small business. Her hard work even earned her a reputation for being a well-known dressmaker in Sagonsongan Transitory shelter where she was relocated.
Moreover, Faridah’s work received praise from Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo during her visit to the shelter. On that day alone, Faridah’s products sold for an estimated amount of Php 20,000.
At present, her son advertises her products on the internet and has started to gather an online market for Faridah.
She shares with pride that her family is no longer dependent on relief and can now provide for their own daily needs. Further, Minor Saga was assisted by CFSI to register for his Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID which grants him access to additional services specific for his condition.
“CFSI is really committed to helping people and rebuilding lives. I’m so thankful because they are still with us, continuing to visit and check on people on the ground. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.” Faridah said.
The Marawi Recovery Project (MRP), implemented by CFSI, is supported by the Australian Government and aims to promote the protection, psychosocial, and economic recovery of around 6,500 households affected by the Marawi Siege.
To learn more about the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP), you may view the MRP Project Brief at https://cfsi.ph/marawi-recovery-project-mrp-project-brief/