Three home-based seamstresses from Angeles City have shared powerful testimonies about how the Angeleño First Livelihood Program—a project spearheaded by outgoing Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.—changed their lives during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, launched in 2020, empowered over 120 home-based mananahi (seamstresses) across the city, providing both a livelihood and a sense of purpose.
At the height of the pandemic, the program provided a lifeline to vulnerable families by commissioning local seamstresses to sew essential health items such as face masks and PPEs for frontliners. The project later expanded to include the production of school uniforms distributed for free to underprivileged students in public schools—offering both economic support to families and assistance to learners.
Zenaida Dizon, a seasoned seamstress from Barangay Tabun, said the program brought back stability to her family during uncertain times. With establishments closed and jobs gone, the city’s call for seamstresses on social media was a glimmer of hope. “Malaking tulong po talaga. Hindi lang para sa amin, kundi para rin sa ibang pamilyang nangangailangan,” she said.
Victoria Marie Pantig, a single mother from Barangay Sapangbato, echoed Dizon’s gratitude. Being able to work from home while caring for her child gave her both financial relief and peace of mind. “Buong proseso, sinusuportahan kami ng LGU—mula sa materyales hanggang sa pag-pick up ng mga gawa namin,” she shared. Pantig has been with the program for nearly five years and continues to help sew uniforms for students.
Another beneficiary, Janette Mallari Santos from Barangay Cutud, said the program enabled her to support her family while caring for her elderly mother. She joined after a relative saw the announcement on Facebook. “Nakakatulong ako sa asawa ko sa mga gastusin, lalo na’t may dalawa kaming anak na nag-aaral,” she said.
All three women emphasized how the project has had a ripple effect—not only providing jobs but also easing financial burdens for thousands of students’ families who no longer had to spend on school uniforms. “Yung halagang gagastusin sana sa uniporme, nagagamit na lang sa pagkain o iba pang pangangailangan,” Santos noted.
As Mayor Lazatin steps into his new role as Pampanga First District Representative, the women expressed their hope that the next administration continues and even expands the livelihood initiative. “Ito po ay hindi lang proyekto. Isa po itong biyaya,” said Pantig. Their message of thanks to Mayor Lazatin was clear: “You gave us more than jobs—you gave us hope.”
Source: Angeles City Information Office
