ABRA SUCCESS STORY 1: WEAVING HOPE AND SUCCESS THROUGH DOLEI am Teresita S. Obngayan, 64 years old, a mother of six, used to be a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Cyrus, but transformed as business woman through DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.As a domestic helper for more than ten years, life has never been easy for me. One of the challenges I have to deal with is being away from my family- missing momentous event, their birthdays, graduation and other celebrations.It is true that we are being paid in Riyal, but with more money comes in the greater sacrifices we have to make. It is true that there is no place like home, so I decided to go home after my employer and sponsor died during the/ or as result of the Gulf War.To be honest, I was scared to come back home to the Philippines. I think it was caused by fear of having no income. I hoped to apply in our country, but doubts struck me. I was advance in years when I came back here. And who would hire an old woman over the younger ones?With the fear of being unemployed, fate brought me to Department of Labor and Employment-Abra Field Office. Through this government agency, our organization was given livelihood assistance. It was during this time when I learned more about the DOLE. Aside from being a regulatory agency over private sector, they also look into the welfare of the unemployed and marginal workers by assisting associations or groups develop, nurture and sustain income-generating and job creating enterprises in the communities.I thought being an old woman was a weakness, but this became strength in helping us transform to empowered loom weavers of San Ramon West, Manabo, Abra.A strength for the older ones, because, our parents taught us how to weave. Weaving is a traditional skill in which few of the younger generation would want to master.Loom weaving in Abra is considered as an heirloom. This tradition was passed down from generation to another generation. We use this treasured skill to change our status from unemployed to self-employed individuals.From there, we are not just weaving cotton and polyester threads but we are weaving hope and success with the assistance from DOLE.Most of our members start their daily routine from three in the morning and go home late in the afternoon. They go to the fields to till their lands, feed their pigs and tend to plant crops. With the help of DOLE, they wake up early not to go to work but to prepare breakfast for their family and have some family bonding at dinner - an event most of them didnt have because of being so engrossed work.Out of 75 farmer/weaver members of San Ramon West Loom Weavers Association, Inc., we are helping 25 full time weavers and or sewers and helpers. Today, we are earning a P2,000.00 to P5,500.00 a month or 25% to 200% increase in income per December 2014 data. Loom weaving is the art of forming a fabric by interlacing at right angles two or more sets of yarn or other material. To create a product from weaving, it requires patience, creativity and love for work.Every time we commit mistakes in weaving either we untie the threads or we go back from start. It is how you give attention to these small details that makes a beautiful hand woven material. Our selling point is how we focus on minor details that we produce quality products.We need to have a positive attitude for us to be more productive. Our inter-relationship is also enhanced. We became a part of each others lives through the time we spend in weaving.Our loom woven products are sold in our locality. We also join the trade fairs during festivals in Bangued.It was August 15, 2013 when we received the equipment and raw materials. For our initial year, we were able to have an income amounting to Php 60,000. We were able to purchase appliances such as ceiling fans, stand fans, water dispenser, and display cabinet for the association.When we started our operations, there was an outpouring of support. The Local Government Unit ordered from us their barong uniform. A member also allowed use of their building for free for our project site.Without the support coming from these people, we could have difficulties in managing our livelihood project.This year, the association was again a recipient from DOLE of assistance to make our project towards transitioning to enterprise level so we could produce more. By doing this, we could create opportunities for other members. We were given assistance, we were given support, and I think it is just but right to pay it forward to the local community of Manabo.Teamwork is a must for our project to be successful, our weavers before work individually in their respective houses, but with the formation of DIDLW, a second family was created. I didnt realize that coming home will not only give an opportunity to make my life better but also I found new friends whom I can share my stories with and to revive our culture of weaving.I encourage all the plain housewives out there that there are ways to both serve our family and at the same time to look for a living.There is development in our country, there is success and there is hope that we can be better.