With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses strive to survive rather than earn. The Municipality of Siquijor Sewers Association (MOSSA) is among them.
MOSSA is a group of middle-aged women sewers in Siquijor. MOSSA originally offers garment-making and fabric alterations services. With the pandemic, however, MOSSA’s revenue plummeted as schools were suspended, business establishments were not able to operate, and a variety of local activities were canceled. This meant fewer to no customers and the cancellation of projects. This was really difficult for the sewers as they were dependent on orders. Faced with this dilemma, MOSSA knew they had to be creative to survive.
From garment making and providing fabric alterations, the cooperative shifted to making washable face masks. Shifting was not easy for them, especially that this was not their forte and they were already in their mid-40s to mid-60s. Knowing that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had their back, boosted their morale.
With the help of DTI, the cooperative was able to acquire the necessary equipment for producing washable face masks through the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program. Aside from this, the cooperative was also assisted by the DTI’s Negosyo Center (NC) by helping increase its market reach. It also spearheaded coming up with the product design of the washable face masks to prototype and mass production.
Currently, MOSSA is fully operating to meet the escalating demand for washable face masks and other PPEs. The pandemic may have pushed MOSSA to the brink, but their desire for survival and love for their families kept the cooperative going.
Name of MSME: Mila B. Abne
Business Name: Municipality of Siquijor Sewers Association
Business Address: Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: 09752130755
By: DTI-Region 7
