From Home to the Baking Room: A Woman’s Journey of Empowerment! A Success Story of Maricar O. Dimaano

In 2024, when Project BAKERS (Babaing Aktibo Kaakibat sa Ekonomiya, Ramdam ay Sagana) was launched to uplift women in the community and strengthen their economic participation, Maricar O. Dimaano stood among its first determined learners. A mother. A wife. And, as she would soon discover, a baker at heart.

Maricar entered the program with only a little knowledge about baking. Like many women balancing household responsibilities, her learning opportunities were limited. Yet her interest, passion, and quiet determination made her progress remarkably fast. She attended every session with focus, practiced relentlessly, and embraced the program as an opportunity not only for herself but for her family’s future.

When she faced the National Assessment for Bread and Pastry Production, Maricar showed what empowered women can achieve when given the chance. She walked in without fear or hesitation. For her, the assessment was not intimidating—it was simply the next step in a journey she had prepared for with confidence.

She passed with ease, demonstrating competence, self-assurance, and mastery.

After graduation, Maricar became one of the trusted bakers of “Panaderya ni Juana”, the community-based livelihood initiative supporting women’s economic empowerment. Whenever the LGU needed snacks for events, Maricar and her fellow women bakers delivered with excellence. She quickly mastered production of the most in-demand items—muffins, banana cakes, and pizza—earning the trust of clients and proving that women can excel in skills often underestimated in value.

But Maricar’s story did not stop at employment.

Fueled by her desire to uplift other women the way she was uplifted, she decided to pursue Trainers Methodology Level 1 to become a certified trainer and assessor. The journey was challenging and rigorous, requiring discipline, time management, and resilience—qualities Maricar had long cultivated as a woman balancing multiple roles. Once again, she succeeded.

She passed the National Assessment for TM Level 1, taking a major step toward becoming a woman leader in the TVET sector.

Today, Maricar is preparing her NTTC application, determined to become a certified Trainer and Assessor in Bread and Pastry Production, the qualification that first ignited her passion and transformed her life. Soon, she will not only bake products—she will shape futures, especially for women who need guidance, encouragement, and opportunities just like she once did.

Maricar’s journey is a powerful example of how gender-responsive programs like Project BAKERS enable women to break barriers, gain confidence, pursue leadership roles, and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.

Her success proves one thing: 

When women are empowered with skills, support, and equal opportunities, they do not just change their own lives—they uplift families, strengthen communities, and build a more inclusive future for all. [Jonathan D. Samillano / SMAC Focal]