It’s early morning in their quiet neighborhood, and the soft light filters through the open space of their workshop. Lolo Kiko, 72, sits at his sturdy wooden table, his hands steady as he weaves strips of bamboo into a strong, beautifully patterned basket. Beside him, Lola Celing, 68, works quietly at her well-loved sewing machine, stitching colorful cloth into soft tote bags and simple pouches.

For more than fifty years, this has been their way of life. Their skills were passed down from their own parents weaving and sewing were not just jobs, they were traditions that held their family together. But lately, the work has grown harder. Good bamboo is becoming harder to find and more expensive. The cloth they use is getting pricier too. They sell their work at the local market, but the income is barely enough to cover their daily needs and the cost of supplies.

One afternoon, a representative from the Livelihood Support Program stops by to see them. She watches Lolo’s hands move with practiced ease, and sees the care and joy in every stitch Lola makes.

This is what they share:

We are Lolo Kiko and Lola Celing. We have made things with our hands for as long as we can remember. We don’t make fancy things we make things that last, things that feel warm and true. This is our heritage, and it’s all we know how to do well.

But now, as we grow older, it’s becoming difficult. We struggle to afford the materials we need. We don’t have a safe, comfortable place to work when the weather changes. And we find it hard to reach more people who would appreciate the quality and heart we put into every piece.

We don’t ask for much. We only hope for a little help—just enough to get better supplies, a sheltered space to work, and a chance to learn simple ways to sell our work fairly.

If we are given this support, we can keep doing what we love. We can earn enough to live with dignity, to care for ourselves, and to help keep our old traditions alive. We can even teach the younger people in our community how to weave and sew, so these skills never fade away.

How the Program Changes Their Story

With the help of the Livelihood Support Program:

✅ They receive high-quality bamboo, durable thread, and colorful fabric—so their work stays strong and beautiful.

✅ They get a covered, sturdy workspace that protects them from the sun and rain.

✅ They learn simple tips on how to share their products with more people and earn better income.

Today, their days are brighter.

Lolo and Lola work with confidence again. Their baskets and cloth bags are now bought not just by neighbors, but by people from nearby towns. They earn enough to buy food and medicine without worry. And best of all they now teach a few young people from their community their skills, passing on the knowledge that has been part of their family for generations.

This isn’t just about earning money, Lolo says, holding up a finished basket. It’s about being able to stand on our own. It’s about keeping our history alive. And it’s about showing that even when we are older, we can still give something valuable to our community.