By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a quiet hall in Quezon City, needles moved carefully through cloth as employees shared stories, laughter, and new skills. For many, it was more than learning how to sew. It was a moment to slow down, create, and rediscover purpose beyond daily office work.
On January 9, 2025, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) held an orientation on Basic Sewing and Patchworking aimed at equipping its employees with practical and creative skills. The activity also promoted productive and creative aging, especially for staff preparing for life beyond full-time work.
A total of 19 PCAF personnel joined the session, which was organized by the SC-PWD Committee in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Committee. The initiative reflects PCAF’s continuing commitment to inclusive, gender-responsive, and capacity-building programs that support employee welfare and long-term well-being.
PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos served as the lead trainer and mentor during the activity. By sharing her own expertise, she highlighted the value of using internal knowledge to deliver meaningful and cost-efficient learning opportunities within the agency.
In her opening message, De Los Santos used a simple but powerful metaphor: “You are not a toaster.” She explained that people are not machines built only to function and produce output. Employees, she said, have emotional, psychological, and self-fulfillment needs that must be nurtured to stay healthy and motivated.
She stressed that hobbies like sewing are not just pastimes. They help improve mental health, reduce stress, and support cognitive strength, especially as people age. In a fast-paced professional environment, taking time to learn creative skills can help individuals maintain balance and a sense of purpose.
Participants learned basic sewing techniques and patchworking methods, which can be used for personal projects or even small livelihood opportunities. For some employees, the activity reopened an interest they had not explored since childhood. For others, it was a first step into discovering a new creative outlet.
The orientation also aligned with the agency’s broader goal of preparing employees for post-retirement life. By encouraging practical skills and hobbies, PCAF hopes to help its staff remain active, independent, and engaged in their communities even after leaving government service.
Organizers said the session showed how workplace learning does not always have to focus on technical or office-related skills. Programs that support creativity, inclusion, and personal growth are equally important in building a healthy and productive workforce.
The sewing and patchwork creations made by the participants will be featured in an exhibit scheduled for March 2026, in celebration of International Women’s Month. The exhibit will showcase not only the finished pieces, but also the message behind them: that learning, creativity, and self-care have no age limit.
As government agencies continue to look after their people, initiatives like this remind employees that their value goes beyond their job titles. By investing in skills that nourish both mind and spirit, PCAF reinforces the idea that a fulfilling life includes room for creativity, connection, and growth at every stage.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News