On December 6-7, 2023, the Guimaras State University (GSU) College of Teacher Education’s Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) program, through its extension project Pinagluma-an mo, Mapagkakaperahan mo, conducted a skills development training on rug making in Barangay San Nicolas, Buenavista, Guimaras. This initiative aimed to equip community members with practical skills for sustainable livelihood, while promoting resourcefulness by repurposing unused clothing.

The two-day training focused on teaching participants the techniques needed to create quality rugs. During the first day, Instructor Gilbert Amistas led discussions on various rug-making techniques, emphasizing fair trade practices to ensure sustainable income for rug makers. He explained how these skills could open up new avenues for income generation by utilizing readily available materials.

Instructor Agusto Yanguas provided a session on creatively designing rugs from discarded fabrics, encouraging participants to see the potential in unused clothes. His session highlighted both the environmental and economic benefits of repurposing materials, fostering a mindset of sustainability and resourcefulness among participants.

On the second day, Instructor Amistas, Instructor Yanguas, and Instructor Adora Gabayoyo conducted a hands-on demonstration, guiding participants through each step of the rug-making process. This was followed by a teach-back session, where participants demonstrated their newly acquired skills, reinforcing the knowledge they had gained and ensuring they were capable of applying the techniques independently.

This training not only provided the participants with a valuable skill but also contributed to the community’s goal of promoting sustainable livelihood practices. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, empowering individuals with practical skills to enhance their economic opportunities and quality of life.