MARAWI CITY – Rasmiah Magontara is a 52-year old mother of five and wife of a carpenter who lives in Barangay Sagonsongan Shelter Area 5 after having relocated from Barangay West Marinaut, this city.

Rasmiah manages a sari-sari store where the family depends greatly to sustain their daily expenses and support the schooling of their children—all in the primary level.

With the cash assistance she received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Rasmiah bought a sewing machine while the remaining amount was used as capital to start her new business.

From simply managing a sari-sari store, she now weaves local products such as bags, wallets, and pouches delivered mostly to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

“One needs to create opportunities in order to promote change. We are called to be flexible as life changes our needs”, said Rasmiah.  (DSWD)