MONTALBAN, Rizal (PIA) — The Montalban Municipal Government capped the National Women’s Month celebration with livelihood and entrepreneurship training for Dumagat Remontado residents at the Dumagat Tribal Hall, Barangay Puray from March 28-29.

Dumagat women beneficiaries underwent training in kakanin-product making (pichi-pichi, turones de mani and tupig), handicrafts and accessories making, and native massage called hilot. They were also trained in entrepreneurial mind setting, community-based enterprise development, costing, business records, and organizational management to boost their business capabilities.

Barangay Puray in Montalban is a far-flung community frequented by both locals and tourists for ecotourism, particularly for Puray Falls.

Montalban Municipal Tourism Officer Jomelyn Abuan said the local government aims to empower the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community by creating livelihood opportunities, especially in times of tourist arrivals.

Abuan added that a ceremonial graduation for the beneficiaries will be held on April 1. The tourism office is also set to invite tourists to buy the products created in line with their training and other local products such as root crops, walis, baskets, and other local dishes among others.

The municipal government through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, led by Sherill Emmerson, also distributed kakanin-making packages consisting of steamers and cooking utensils and massage kits to the Dumagat participants.

The activity is a joint initiative of the GAD Office, Tourism Office, Public Information Office, Social Welfare and Development Office, and, Livelihood Technical Vocational and Educational Skills Development Center in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Philippine Trade Training Center. (GG/PIA-RIZAL)