Lopez-led First Gen Corporation (First Gen) won a Gold Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for implementing a program that now helps in uplifting the lives of an indigenous cultural community in Mindanao.

First Gen received the award during the PRSP’s 61st Anvil Awards: Gabi ng Parangal, held last 28 January at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon City, in recognition of the transformative contribution of the First Gen program, called MAMAFASWAS Weavers, for the inclusive development of the Mamanwa indigenous people in the remote barangay of Maraiging in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

Secured weavers’ future

First Gen named the winning livelihood program after the acronym of the Maraiging Mamanwa Farmers Skilled Workers Association, organized back in 2021 with support from the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and other civil society groups.

With First Gen’s help, the MAMAFASWAS weavers program has evolved into a regenerative weaving enterprise that provides the Mamanwas, among other things, technical skills and leadership training, as well as guidance on organizing and enhancing their handicraft products.