Tampakan, South Cotabato – Laughter, creativity, and colorful handmade products are bringing new energy to Barangay Liberty as women learn to turn discarded plastics into beautiful items they can proudly sell and use.
Through this cheerful and hands-on recycling livelihood training, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is helping transform what was once considered waste into new sources of joy, confidence, and income for local families.
One of the beneficiaries of the program, Annafil Galo Platino, 30 years old, a mother, and a member of the Women’s Association of Liberty, Tampakan, shared how meaningful the experience has been for her.
Through hands-on sessions facilitated by skilled ALS teachers from the Department of Education – Tampakan District and support from the company, Annafil learned how to create bayong, baskets, and other crafts using recycled plastics, which she can now offer to neighbors, nearby barangays, and local community events as affordable and eco-friendly products.
“This training has truly helped me,” Annafil said. “I can now earn extra income by making baskets and other recycled items. It also sparked my creativity and opened my heart to arts, something I never explored before.”
For Annafil, the program is more than just learning a new skill; it is an opportunity to support her family while contributing to a cleaner and more responsible community. What used to be discarded wrappers and plastic packaging is now seen as raw material for livelihood, allowing women like her to reduce waste in their surroundings while producing saleable goods that can supplement their household income.
With SMI’s support, she now feels equipped with practical knowledge that turns discarded materials into valuable products. Over time, the skills gained from the training can help participants organize small community-based enterprises, supply local stores with recycled crafts, and inspire other residents to see recycling not as “basura”, but as a practical path to dignified and sustainable livelihood.
“Thank you, SMI, for initiating activities like this. We are very grateful for this kind of opportunity,” Annafil added.
By partnering with local communities, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. continues to create lasting impact—uplifting women, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and encouraging environmental responsibility in its host and neighboring communities through simple yet powerful initiatives that link recycling, income generation, and community pride. (30)
