Habitat for Humanity trains lady masons

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (November 13, 2008) – Mothers and daughters here have joined a masonry training called "Akay Kababaihan", a six-day training spearheaded by European Union's Habitat for Humanity (HFH) in strengthening its peace building effort in Sarangani and in Mindanao.

"This is the first time that we conduct masonry training for women," said Benjo Besmanos, HFH's peace and development coordinator.

Barangay Tuyan and Lumatil in Maasim town are HFH's peace build projects in Sarangani. Thirty ladies from these two barangays are training from November 10-16 at Tuyan barangay compound.

Tuyan and Lumatil are among the war-torn areas during rebel and government forces encounters some two decades ago.

"We do not build only houses. We help build communities in some of our poorest barangays all over the country," Besmanos said.

HFH targets four key result areas in their peace build projects which are to build houses, establish partnership with the barangay, provide livelihood and maintain sanitation in the HFH community.

"We would rather build our own house than pay for the costly labor," Michelle Harid, a 29 year-old participant, said.

"Kung kaya ni mister, kaya ni misis," said Annie Juan.

Ricardo Marin, a trainer from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, said the ladies will receive certificates of competency after the training.

The unfinished barangay community center will be used by the trainees for their training in jalousie installation and flooring.

Kalinaw Sarangani Unit provides technical assistance for the participants and HFH's peace build projects in the province.

The Alcantara Foundation, Incorporated provides food and transportation for the duration of the training.

HFH has helped build 17,000 houses to date. It also builds schools and community centers in partnerships to transform lives beyond shelter.

Among the Muslim and Blaan traditions, wives do more of the household chores than their husbands.

As skilled workers identified by TESDA, masonry learned by the women can bring more income to the family. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)