Select Lumad women from Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon shared their enterprise experiences during the Jesuit Commission on Indigenous Peoples (JCIM) Workshop-Seminar titled Understanding Indigeniety held at the Jesuit Retreat House, Malaybalay, Bukidnon on May 10, 2023.
Ms. Ivy Bedrejo of the Tumindok Association in Valencia City and Ms. Emelia Guina of the Portulin Talaandig Tribal Association (PTTA) of Pangantucan co-presented their story of livelihood and economic development through the social enterprises initiatives supported by the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF).
Both Lumad women expressed about their individual experiences and of how each of their communities accepted the concept of doing social enterprises to improve their way of life.
Bae Emelia Guina also shared the struggles and challenges faced by them especially in running the business. Internal and external factors were part of their daily concerns, however, they were quite positive to remain committed in their enterprise. They hope to continue with the lessons of bringing their local products known and able to improve their livelihood opportunities.
Both women were delighted to share their experiences and lessons learned, it boosted their confidence and were proud of what they have achieved so far.
The JCIM 2023 workshop-seminar aims to promote deeper understanding of indigenous communities’ issues and provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience. The event was facilitated by Ateneo de Davao University – Anthropology Department and the Fr. Leone Mission Foundation, Inc. (FLMFI) with participants from the Jesuit Ministries within Southeast Asia.
