In celebration of Women’s Month, the Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) Center for Women Studies (CWS) and Gender and Development (GAD) hosted "Serbisyo Para Kay Juana," a hands-on training session aimed at equipping women with practical, income-generating skills.
Held on March 12 at the MSU-GSC Alumni Pavilion, the event gathered faculty, staff, and students eager to explore new livelihood opportunities.
This year’s training focused on producing liquid detergent, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner—everyday household products that women regularly use.
The workshop emphasized affordability and sustainability, offering an alternative to store-bought brands through customizable, cost-efficient formulations.
Participants were provided with starter kits ranging from ₱319 to ₱449, allowing them to produce up to 16 liters of cleaning products at a fraction of retail prices.
For CWS Director Ruhama L. Gomez, the initiative was about more than just learning a new skill—it was about providing women with economic opportunities and financial independence.
"The very purpose of this ‘Serbisyo Para Kay Juana’ is, like the title itself says, it's a service to all the women. What can we do for the women?" she shared.
According to the director, last year, they taught the women skills that they can use in their homes, which usually require the assistance of men, such as carpentry and masonry.
“But this year, tinignan naman natin paano pa natin pwedeng matulungan ang mga kababaihan. And one of the things that we looked into is itong livelihood program,” she added.
Gomez highlighted how these skills not only help women cut down on household expenses but also provide them with a viable business opportunity.
"Bakit mo kailangang bilhin, bakit ka bibili ng mahal, kung pwede mo namang gawin in a very reasonable price? Talagang makakatipid ka," she explained.
Participants were encouraged to turn their newly acquired skills into a small business, potentially earning ₱50 or more per bottle of homemade cleaning products.
"The skills that they learn today, they can use it to generate their own business. Every year, gumagawa kami ng mga bagay na maaring magamit ng mga kababaihan sa kanilang daily living. So in this way, kahit nagtatrabaho sila dito sa MSU, meron pa silang extra income," Gomez added.
To further promote entrepreneurship, participants were invited to showcase and sell their products on April 2, with the first three attendees receiving free starter packs to help them get started.
The event continued in the afternoon with a slipper-making session, introducing another livelihood opportunity. The workshop was led by Elisa Gomez, a seasoned slipper-maker since the 1990s, who shared insights on crafting durable and marketable footwear.
Gomez emphasized that the initiative was not just about providing new skills but also about fostering confidence and self-reliance.
"So ganun, ang mga bagay na, mga paunting bagay that we can do to help the women in our institution. Hindi lang basta enjoyment, kundi anything that could help them save and could give them an idea on how they can start their own business," she noted.
According to her, this approach empowers women to become less dependent on their significant others. Gomez noted that while some women may prefer to rely on others, those seeking empowerment and personal growth will greatly benefit from learning these skills.
Through initiatives like Serbisyo Para Kay Juana, MSU-GSC continues to create spaces where women can thrive—not just in the workplace, but in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
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