In the quiet barangay of Dagupan Weste, Tabuk City, Kalinga, families work hard every day to put food on the table. Most make ends meet through small jobs or informal livelihoods. Among them was Ms. Jocelyn N. Clemente, a devoted mother of five who, before 2020, had only one role—full-time housewife.
Her husband’s modest income was the family’s only lifeline. Every peso was stretched thin to cover food and school needs, leaving nothing for her own. She became an expert at self- sacrifice—setting aside personal wants to ensure her children’s well-being. Life was difficult, but Jocelyn’s spirit remained unbroken.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, jobs and incomes everywhere crumbled. Jocelyn saw her husband’s earnings shrink, and the fear of not being able to feed her children kept her awake at night. Out of desperation and courage, she borrowed money to buy a sewing machine—a risky move when no one knew how long the crisis would last. She began sewing reusable face masks, often sneaking into her cramped sewing space while the rest of the family rested. Her nimble hands worked late into the night, and slowly, her products gained attention for their durability and affordability. What began as a survival move became the seed of her tailoring enterprise.
In 2021, Jocelyn became a participant of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and received a ₱15,000 grant. This was more than just capital—it was validation that her dream mattered. She bought fabrics, thread, needles, garters, and other essentials, giving her the means to fulfill bigger orders and stabilize her small business. From one sewing machine, her shop has now grown to seven. Located strategically in front of Tabuk City National High School, her store draws steady customers. In peak season, she
earns up to ₱10,000 weekly; on regular days, between ₱1,500 to ₱2,000.
Her husband, once the sole breadwinner, is now her greatest partner. They manage bulk orders together, often finishing them at home while sharing stories and laughter. Income from the business now supports daily needs, funds home improvements, and—most importantly—ensures that their children’s education is never compromised. Jocelyn runs her business with discipline. She records daily expenses and income without fail, always setting aside capital before spending. She keeps prices competitive but never compromises on quality. Feedback from customers is welcomed, not feared: “Haan ka nga tao nu awan kwartam.” (You feel less than human when you have no money.) “Hindi ko tinatanggap na masakit ang client feedback – it helped me grow.”
Her openness and humility have earned her loyal clients. She is now formally registered with both the barangay and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), marking her transition from an informal livelihood to a legitimate small enterprise. Her skill came from vocational high school, and her husband’s family background in tailoring gave her an early foundation. Still, she had no business experience—only determination. She recalls those early pandemic days when her handmade masks became known in the community and customers began calling her “Madam Dait”.
“I had two choices—either remain a plain housewife or move forward. I chose the latter.” SLP gave Jocelyn more than financial help—it gave her the confidence and tools to dream bigger. The capital allowed her to buy materials in bulk, reduce costs, and increase profit. Training programs enhanced her financial literacy and business management skills. Her tailoring shop now contributes to the local economy and serves as an example of what can be achieved with perseverance and proper support. Jocelyn also dreams of teaching sewing to other mothers in her barangay, passing on both skills and hope.
“Tured ti pakinakem lang iti negosyo.” (“Lakas ng loob ang kailangan sa negosyo.”)
From a small corner in her home to a registered business with multiple machines, Jocelyn’s journey is proof that with resilience, humility, and the right opportunities, a mother’s hands can stitch a better future for her family and community.#DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, PDO II with Micah Joy Mahener, MPDO.
