Four fourth-year AB Communications students from the University of St. La Salle have initiated “Project Handi-Handum” to empower unemployed women in Purok Yanson-Prutas, Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
The project addresses economic challenges faced by the community since its relocation in 2018, which left many residents struggling to secure stable employment.
Through practical skills training in decorative candle-making and upcycled rag rug-making, paired with basic business education, the initiative aims to create sustainable income opportunities.
“Gapati guid kami nga through skills development, it will can go a long way. We aim to help the women of Purok Yanson-Prutas while instilling in them self-sufficiency and independence, reducing reliance on potential aid that can often be uncertain,” said Project Lead Alexander Hechanova. He added that the women’s creativity could contribute to Bacolod’s growing creative economy.
Implemented in collaboration with the Bacolod City Cooperative and Livelihood Office and Francislyn Nicole Plaza, the project offers hands-on training, workshops, and mentoring. “Project Handi-Handum” is part of the students’ Development Communication course under the guidance of USLS faculty member Joevel Bartolome.*