I have seven children and four grandchildren. With such a large family, food expenses and the children’s schooling costs a lot, so the money I earn at Surci disappears quickly. Denisa and Myrna’s husbands are brothers with my husband, so we live next door to each other. When I don’t understand something, they often teach me. My daily routine is cutting grass to feed our two cows. My husband works as a coconut tree cutter (chain saw operator).
Totang
Residing in Carcar
My husband and I have two children, but we remain unmarried and continue as partners. My main concern is still my children’s education. I want to keep working at Surci indefinitely and send them to university if they wish. Before working at Surci, I never imagined my handmade bags would be displayed in Japanese department stores. Just imagining Japanese customers picking them up makes me excited. Mina is a relative.
Tintin
Residing in Carcar
I love knitting, so when I saw Surcy on Facebook, I messaged them wanting to work there. At first, I was really nervous since I didn’t know anyone, but everyone was so kind that I fit right in. Now that I’m separated from my husband, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to buy daily necessities with money I earn myself and raise my daughter.
Tes
Residing in Carcar
Jo Ann told me about knitting training at Central School, so I joined. As a single mother with a daughter who has a leg disability, I was determined to get the skills to work at Surcy, so I worked hard during the training. After finishing the training and actually starting work, I’ve gained so many new experiences. It feels like a whole new life has opened up for me. Thank you.
Tata
Residing in Carcar
I have four children, and since my youngest is still small, I’m truly grateful to be able to work from home. My husband is a chappy driver (a motorcycle with a canopy and a face-to-face passenger seat), and I saved the money I earned working at Surcy to buy his chappy outright. I’m incredibly happy with it, even though it’s used. I love knitting while listening to music. My mother says she wants to work at Surcy too.
Rose
Residing in Carcar
Being left-handed, I struggled at first to understand the knitting technique, but Elisa patiently taught me, and now I can knit smoothly just by looking at the pattern. Before working at Surci, I did bag-packing work at home, but even working long hours didn’t pay very well. I want to keep working at Surci to earn more money and help my husband.
Ricky
Residing in Rosario
My wife is Mina. At first, I helped trim the bags she knitted, but watching her knit beside me gradually sparked my interest in the technique itself. I started knitting bags myself, learning from her. I remember feeling incredibly happy when I finished my first bag. I want men to experience this joy too. Since my carpentry work is only occasional, I now pick up my crochet hook almost every day (laugh).
Resting
Residing in Carcar
I’m hard of hearing, but I love singing and watching movies on TV. Since my husband isn’t working, I work at Surushi while he takes care of the house. Three of our four children are already self-sufficient, but our youngest daughter still needs financial support for the time being. I’m quite good at learning new designs and knitting techniques. When Japanese TV came to film us, I was featured the most, so that’s a fond memory.
Res
Residing in Carcar
I take pride in having sent all six of my children through college. Though they’ve all become independent and no longer cost me money, my husband retired due to illness, so the money I earn from Surci goes toward electricity, water bills, and groceries. Besides knitting, I also enjoy sewing. When friends or neighbors ask, I sew clothes or curtains for them, earning a little pocket money. I love dancing so much that when music plays, my body reacts naturally and starts moving.
Regine
Residing in Carcar
I used to sell street food like juice and popcorn, but it didn’t make much money. Mhey, who worked at Surci, introduced me to the job, and that’s how I started working there. I have five children, and the youngest is 14 years younger than my eldest son, so we still need a lot of money. Since I started working at Surci, my income has increased, and I can now make delicious meals for my family.
Raquil
Residing in Rosario
Besides my work at Surcy, I sell snacks at school to supplement our food expenses. I also make as many bags as I can, hoping to provide the children with balanced meals and education. Learning new bag-making techniques always makes me a little nervous. But thinking that the bags I make will reach someone far away in Japan fills me with excitement and joy. My husband grows corn.
Nanet
Residing in Carcar
I learned about Surci through Denisa. She had told me that Ma’am Satomi helps many women, but seeing everyone working together in harmony and with pride to make bags, I realized what a wonderful company it is. With the money I earn, I can buy the things my children (four daughters and two sons) need, so I want to keep working here forever.
Nalyn
Residing in Carcar
I started working at Surci through an introduction from my neighbor Denisa. My immediate goal is to quickly become as skilled as Denisa at knitting anything beautifully. And by making lots of bags, I want to learn all sorts of knitting details along the way. I’m also good at sewing and enjoy designing and making clothes I want to wear. Plus, I absolutely love singing and dancing.
Myrna
Residing in Carcar
My husband passed away. After he died, I was filled with anxiety about how I would raise my children and make a living, but I am truly grateful to have found work with Surcy. I took Ma’am Satomi’s surname, Sekiya, and named my grandchild (my daughter’s child) Sekia-mae. I want to increase my workload and renovate my house soon. I am a member of the local volleyball team.
Mina
Residing in Rosario
I am the supervisor of the knitters living in Rosario. I maintain close contact with the workshop in Karakaru, handling everything from arranging raffia yarn to teaching knitting techniques and inspecting finished products. I am raising three children, though none are my own. Since there is no work in this village, Surci’s job can be done at home, and everyone finds it rewarding. It’s truly a blessing that everyone can work this way.
Milyn
Residing in Saragusa
I became a grandmother in my 40s, but the youngest of my four children is still a student. I used to work at the health center, but I quit to care for my grandchild. Working for Surci is a huge help because I can do it from home while looking after my grandchild. I bought a motorcycle on loan, but I paid off the loan working for Surci. Both my husband and I love singing karaoke. My husband works in lumber (cutting wood).
Mhey
Residing in Carcar
Previously, I mainly made dolls to attach to round bases, but now I can knit several types of bags. Since I started knitting bags, I’ve become really excited to see the finished products. When I started working at Surcy, I had two children, but now I have five. So, I want to work even harder than before to give my children a better life. I enjoy watching dramas on TV.
Marylyn
Residing in Rosario
I had training before, but at the time my three children were small and I couldn’t continue. Now that my children are more independent, I can do Surci work while also looking after my niece, and I’m earning an income commensurate with my efforts. My husband is a village council member, so both he and I are grateful that Surci is bringing work to our small village. Thank you.
Marisa
Residing in Rosario
My husband is a motorcycle driver. Besides my work at Surci, I occasionally sell snacks at the school cafeteria. What I like about Surci’s work is that it’s not divided into parts—I make each bag entirely by myself. After all, when I see the finished bag, I feel happy knowing I made it well. I will continue striving to make each bag carefully, one by one.
Mario
Residing in Rosario
I’d often seen women gathering around my house, happily knitting together. Since carpentry work isn’t steady every month, I heard knitting could be a job, and I wanted to try it myself. At first, I felt a bit shy, but they welcomed men too, so I learned the basics. I can only knit a few types of bags so far, but I want to be able to knit anything soon.
Mariel
Residing in Carcar
As a single-mother household, I’ve been able to work part-time at Surcy since high school and college. I’m incredibly grateful that my part-time wages covered school supplies and pocket money. After graduating, I continued working at Surcy. I won’t forget how much they’ve done for me, and I look forward to seeing Surcy grow even bigger as I keep working here. I’m hooked on Korean dramas.
Lydia
Residing in Carcar
Right now, we’re renting a room in my mother-in-law’s (Cita) house, so we’re hoping to build a small house in the near future. We’re trying to save money and working together with my husband to build up our savings. My husband works as an electrician at a hotel, but he only gets called in when there’s work, so I’m also working hard. Living with my mother-in-law is a huge help—she watches the kids for us, and when I don’t know how to knit something, she teaches me. It’s really reassuring.
Lulu
Residing in Carcar
My husband is a Chappy driver (a motorcycle with a canopy and a face-to-face passenger seat). Until now, he rented a Chappy for work, but he bought his own Chappy on loan. We have this loan to repay, and raising three children will cost money too. Both my husband and I have health issues, so we need money for medicine. I want to work more to increase our income. My sister Ayeng is also working hard at Surci.
Lucille
Residing in Carcar
I was incarcerated for nearly four years at the prison in Carcar City where Surci Workshop is located. While imprisoned, Elisa from Surci visited and taught me how to weave bags, so I earned money by weaving Surci bags during my incarceration. Acquiring the weaving skill was incredibly significant, allowing me to start working at Surci immediately after my release. The weavers all welcomed me warmly, and now I’m very happy to be making bags together with everyone.
Lita
Residing in Carcar
After suddenly losing my husband several years ago, I’ve worked hard at Surci, believing that raising my children well is something I can be proud of in his eyes. I’m also entrusted with sample production, so my workload has increased, and I find it rewarding. I’m truly happy and proud that I was able to keep all four children in school without interruption and send the two oldest through university. I’m grateful to Surci. Em-em is a relative.
Jo Ann
Residing in Carcar
After losing my husband to illness, I’ve been raising seven children, including twins. Seeing my sister Tata earn money making bags at Surci inspired me to start working there too. I enjoy knitting (and cooking), and working at Surci feels like the right fit for me. It’s a huge help that my mother looks after the children while I’m working. I’m truly grateful to have found this job that allows me to raise my children.
Janice
Residing in Rosario
I used to stay home raising my children and never went out, but now I’m having the time of my life learning how to knit bags at Surci and working to earn an income. With my children’s education costs coming up, I want to become more efficient at work and learn to knit anything like my senior colleagues as soon as possible. My hobby is gardening, and I enjoy tending to my yard. I give away the extra plants to friends, who are always delighted to receive them.
Gigi
Residing in Carcar
I work at the post office in Carcar City, where the workshop is located. I always saw bags being sent to Japan and was very interested in Surci. When I heard there was training at the nearby Central School, I thought it was a chance to learn about Surci bags, so I joined—that’s how I started working at Surci. There are so many knitting techniques; I truly believe knitting is incredibly deep. Since I have my day job at the post office, I knit after I get home.
Flor
Residing in Carcar
Nanet introduced me to Surcy. The best thing about working at Surcy is that before, whenever I needed money, I had to ask my husband for it each time and explain why. But since I started earning my own money, that’s no longer necessary, and I can buy things for the children myself. It feels like I’ve become a little more independent from my husband, and that makes me very happy. I want to be able to put money toward the children’s education too.
Evelyn
Residing in Rosario
I used to raise calves and kids, selling them when they grew to earn money. Now I only have two goats, so I focus on my work at Surcy while tending to the livestock a little. I want my children to get a proper education, so I plan to keep working at Surcy for the long term. I have high blood pressure, so I’m careful about my diet. Since starting at Surcy, I’ve gained some financial breathing room, which has allowed me to pay more attention to what I eat.
Denisa
Residing in Carcar
I used to work part-time at a shoe factory, but now I’m happy to work at Surcy with pride. I’m also entrusted with making OEM samples, which gives me a sense of fulfillment. In 2016, I used the money I earned at Surcy to renovate my house. All four of my children are married now, and I have four grandchildren. I love cooking, and my family says my home cooking is the best. I hope Surcy continues to grow.
Cristy
Residing in Carcar
I had some health issues and took a three-year break. Now I’m completely recovered and working hard at my Surci job. My husband has been cooking for the dorm students at a Japanese-run English school for many years. Both of us feel very fortunate to have jobs. We’re truly grateful. I’m active (laugh) on the local volleyball and badminton teams. I absolutely love dancing and singing.
Cleofe
Residing in Rosario
I enrolled in university but had to drop out after two years because I couldn’t afford it. My second child was born in 2019, and I want them to study at university so they don’t repeat my mistakes. I used to work as a cashier at a mall called Gaisano, but now I find my job at Surci very rewarding. My husband is a local politician, and my mother, Cencia, and my sister, Cecilia, also work at Surci.
Clarita
Residing in Carcar
I’m the oldest among the knitters, born in 1941, but I still want to keep working. I worked part-time as a community health worker for many years before retiring in 2020. My daughter Bel also works at Surci, and I have no fewer than 18 grandchildren. I used to do home-based work crocheting shoe decorations for export, and I absolutely love knitting. I’m happy to be working alongside the young people at Surci.
Cita
Residing in Carcar
My sister Bebe also works at Surci. She has two children and six grandchildren, but she and her husband separated over 30 years ago and live apart. She saves her salary for her grandchildren’s education and to raise the floor level because heavy rains cause water to leak into the house. I’m also one of the original members, and I’m proud of that. I used to run a small general store, but I closed it down. I’d like to reopen it someday.
Cha
Residing in Rosario
I went to university hoping to become a teacher, but I couldn’t afford it and dropped out after just one year. Before, my husband and I made wooden keychains for souvenir shops, but they only paid 1.50 pesos (less than 4 yen) each, so we stopped. My husband returned to construction work, and I found a job at Surci. Just thinking about my woven bags being sold in Japan makes me excited. I work for my three children.
Cencia
Residing in Rosario
I have seven children, all of whom have their own families and live independently. I look after my grandchildren and do sewing work (clothing alterations), so I keep my hands busy every day. I’m very grateful to be able to earn an income through Surci. My daughters Cecilia and Cleofe, who also work at Surci, are thankful to Surci as well. Three members of our family are supported by Surci. Thank you.
Cecilia
Residing in Rosario
With five children, the money I earn from Surci goes straight to food expenses. I used to make and sell native snacks like banana fritters, but now I focus solely on Surci. My husband is a carpenter, but he occasionally makes charcoal to supply to restaurants. My mother, Cencia, and my sister, Cleofe, also work at Surci. I want to make more bags at Surci and earn even more than I do now.
Cecil
Residing in Carcar
I have a two-year gap in my career due to raising two children, but I’m grateful to be working at Surci again. I bought a motorcycle and am paying it off monthly with a loan, which is only possible because I work at Surci, so I’m thankful for that too. I’m proud that my son is the chess representative player at his school. I’m good at cooking (Filipino cuisine), but besides cooking, I also love physical activities like badminton and swimming.
Berta
Residing in Rosario
I had joined a training program before but stopped halfway through. I was working as a freelance nail technician, but since I didn’t have work every day, I came back to Surci. I’m truly grateful they welcomed me back so kindly. My daughter says she wants to work at Surci too, but since she’s still young, she’s currently learning to knit while helping me with my work. I enjoy knitting while watching TV dramas.
Bel
Residing in Carcar
My husband sews uniforms for soccer and basketball teams. Sometimes I help him with the sewing machine too. My mother (Clarita) started working at Sulci first, and it was through her introduction that I joined the knitting training program, which led to my job at Sulci. Before, we used to get water from my mother’s place, but working at Sulci allowed us to install our own water supply. My hobbies are baseball (I play myself) and reading.
Bebe
Residing in Carcar
I work at Surci with my sister Cita. Since I’m single, I live with Cita’s family. I have asthma, but since starting at Surci, I worry less about medication costs. In the future, I want to help renovate my sister’s house where I’m currently staying. I was the first member to receive training, and I’m proud to work at Surci.
Bea
Residing in Rosario
I have children but live with my partner without being married, and I serve as the Chairman of the local Youth Council. From my position as a Youth Councilor, I am also very grateful that Surci brings work to the housewives in our village. My hobbies include volleyball, dancing, singing, and cooking. I play volleyball on the village team and participate in matches.
Babie
Residing in Carcar
I have seven children, and since the youngest is still in school, education costs are a big burden. But I want to give my children as much education as possible. My eldest son works in the hotel industry, and my daughter is an elementary school teacher. My children are my pride and joy. To supplement our household income, I sell banana fritters (bananas fried in oil). Recently, I’ve also started being entrusted with making OEM samples, and I find my work very rewarding.
Ayeng
Residing in Carcar
I’m a single mother living with my daughter. I once left Surci to work elsewhere, but I missed the people at Surci and the knitting work, so I came back. My hobby is volleyball. I have a massage license, so I occasionally give massages to acquaintances. I want to save money and build a small house. Lulu is my older sister, and we both work at Surci.
Arca
Residing in Rosario
Besides her work at Surcy, she also babysits neighborhood children and does laundry for them. Her husband only has work during corn harvest season, making it difficult to raise four children. However, since Surcy’s work can be done anytime, anywhere, she makes good use of her time and knits many bags. She is on the local volleyball team and plays as a player in matches against teams from other areas.
Ann
Residing in Carcar
I attended the first training session and finished one bag, but then I quit. I wanted to work at Surci again, so I came back. While I was away, I met my husband, who works in sewing, got married, and had a child. It was a little embarrassing to return to Surci after quitting once, but I’m grateful everyone welcomed me back warmly. From now on, I’ll work hard to learn many knitting techniques and catch up with everyone.
Alot
Residing in Carcar
When I visited my friend Res (Surcy’s knitter) at her house, I saw her knitting a bag and thought I’d like to try knitting work too. But it looked difficult, and I hesitated. Res said, “It’s okay, you can do it,” and took me to Surcy’s workshop. At the workshop, I was thrilled to find my neighbors Denisa, Myrna, and Victoria there. That made me eager to start working, and here I am today. My best trait is my energy.
Alet
Residing in Carcar
When I visited my friend Res (Surcy’s knitter) at her house, I saw her knitting a bag and thought I’d like to try knitting work too. But it looked difficult, and I hesitated. Res said, “It’s okay, you can do it,” and took me to Surcy’s workshop. At the workshop, I was thrilled to find my neighbors Denisa, Myrna, and Victoria there. That made me eager to start working, and here I am today. My best trait is my energy.
Ading
Residing in Saragusa
I live with my daughter who has a disability. I also work part-time at a health center, but I’m grateful for the Surci work because I can knit at home while caring for my daughter. It’s rewarding to properly finish one bag rather than just dividing tasks. My husband is a farmer who grows corn (harvested every three months). The corn my husband grows is delicious.
Elisa
Brand manager
I handle a wide range of tasks for the women, including work assignments, product and inventory management, QC (quality control), sample making, profile management, and assisting Em-em. My principle is always to do my best at work, and I am grateful to Ma’am Satomi for entrusting me with meaningful work as a manager. Twice a month, I visit the prison to teach incarcerated women how to weave bags, inspect the finished bags, and pay their wages. In my private life, I have two sons, and my day begins each morning feeding the goats and piglets I keep. Holding licenses in massage and dressmaking, I occasionally do sewing work for Surcy. My hobbies are dancing and singing. “Lord, thank you for this new challenge” that I never expected!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Em-em
Executive Director
I oversee all aspects of the workshop’s operations, including accounting and managing our knitters, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This involves understanding local dynamics and day-to-day tasks, as well as handling external affairs and overall management. Bringing everyone together is never easy, but it’s incredibly challenging and rewarding. Moving forward, I aim to create more employment and work opportunities for local women and expand our sales channels overseas. Privately, I have two children. My daughter, born in 2012, was named Sekiyah (nicknamed Kya) from Ma’am Satomi’s surname Sekiya (関谷). Ma’am Satomi also became her godmother. My hobbies include listening to music, cooking, and dancing. I’m particularly proud of my Zumba skills—I believe I can dance like an instructor! Ten years ago, I never imagined I’d be in this leadership role bringing everyone together. I owe it all to Ma’am Satomi and the powerful women who work tirelessly crafting bags. Sulci is like a second family to all of us! More power to the Sulci family, and God bless us all!!
Jo Annからセントラルスクールで編み物のトレーニングがあると聞き、参加しました。シングルマザーで足に障害を持った娘がいるので、絶対スルシィで働けるようになりたいと思い、頑張ってトレーニングを受けま した。トレーニングが終わり実際働いてみて、新しい経験がたくさんでき今までとは違う人生が開けたような 気がしています。ありがとうございます。
女性たちに仕事の割り振りと商品・在庫管理、QC（品質チェック）、サンプル作り、プロファイル管理、Em-emの補佐など、多岐にわたって仕事をしています。いつもベストを尽くして仕事をすることを信条とし、自分がマネージャーとしてやりがいのある仕事を任せてもらえることにMa’am Satomiに感謝しています。月に2回は刑務所へ行き、収監されている女性たちにバッグの編み方を教え、出来上がったバッグのチェック、工賃の支払いもしています。 プライベートでは2人の息子がおり、毎朝飼っているヤギと子豚のエサやりから1日が始まります。マッサージとドレスメーキングのライセンスを持っているので、時々スルシィのミシン掛けの仕事もしています。趣味は、踊ることと歌うことです。“Lord thank you for this new challenge” that I never expected!
Em-em （エムエム）
Executive Director
工房の諸業務、経理、編み子さんのことなど事がスムーズに運ぶよう、現地の動き・実務を一通り把握し対外的な事も含め経営全般に携わっています。みんなをまとめるのは決して簡単なことではありませんが、とてもチャレンジングでやりがいがあります。これからもっと地域女性のために雇用と仕事を増やし、海外にも販路を広げたいと思っています。 プライベートでは2人の子どもがおり、2012年に生まれた娘にはMa’am Satomiの苗字Sekiya（関谷）からSekiyah（セキヤ、愛称はキヤ）と名付け、Ma’am Satomiにはgodmotherにもなってもらっています。趣味は、音楽鑑賞、料理、踊ることで、特にズンバは先生並みに踊れると自負しています。10年前には、自分がこのようにトップに立ちみんなをまとめるなどと考えたこともなく、全てはma’am Satomiと一生懸命にバッグ作りをしているパワフルな女性たちに感謝です。Sulci is the second family for all of us! More power to Sulci family and God bless us all !!
