Spark Philippines Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran together with J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), team up for a livelihood project for women that maximize different strategy in developing skills and social relationship. The making of Nutritious Squash noodles, the said project, is a healthy and one of a kind approach to creating a living.

It was attended by women from different places namely from Calamba City, Laguna, Bayawan Negros Occidental and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.  They were housed in the White House, Calamba City which is sponsored by Mayor Roman Lazaro. The event in Laguna was held in Technical School in cooperation with the local government and lastly the Dumaguete City project was held in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in cooperation with Women’s Sectoral Officer.

The 4-day event starting from February 7, 2015 was a huge success for the organizations themselves and for the women who took part in making the Nutritious Squash Noodles. The noodles were made from pure scratch and were deliciously converted to a healthy delicacy.

A hands-on workshop was led by Ms. Kristy Sumague, Executive Director of YMCA San Pablo together with Mr. Eric C. Mercado, Admin Officer of Spark Philippines, who both served as the trainer for the pilot organic squash making. They led the women into the actual creation of the squash noodle.

A women’s livelihood workshop wouldn’t be complete without the cooking session. Ms. Kate Alyzon Ramil, Senior Program Officer of Spark Philippines conducted the “Cooking Pasta with the Women” activity where they made delicious and nutritious delicacies.

In addition to the hands-on workshop, the event was graced with a talk from Ms. Jenny Lind Elmaco, Executive Director of SPARK Philippines wherein she talked about the women vote express. Ms. Shammah Bulangis, also gave her remarks on the Women’s Political Empowerment, she is the Coordinator of SPARK Philippines for the Women’s Vote Expresss.

These talks from two influential personalities serves to encourage women to take part in the political process themselves and be the voice in their community in developing harmonious governance. This is as well to motivate women in taking full responsibility and choosing leaders that are ensured of a positive change and betterment of their communities.

With this livelihood project, another set of women have been imparted with knowledge and enhancement of skills that they could use forth in their development as individuals. Thus, it is important to educate women for learning doesn’t end and women should be built with limitless possibilities.