ILIGAN CITY–Piya Azis, a widow for ten years, is one among the thousand residents of Marawi who fled the city when the Marawi siege broke out.

Back in Marawi, Piya is an entrepreneur, selling ready-to-wear (RTW) clothes. She also had her own sewing business to support her family’s needs. But all of these businesses were destroyed during the war. Nothing left, but only hope.

When the government declared the historic comeback of the internally displaced (IDPs) to Marawi, Piya and her children were one of those who returned. They lived in a relative’s house and livelihood is now her main priority.

Piya tries to sew using her new electric sewing machine.

With the help of Operation Blessing, in partnership with Makati Hope Christian School, Piya was one among the Maranao women who were given an electric sewing machine, sewing starter kit, and pieces of fabric, for her livelihood.

Now, Piya can courageously start her sewing business again, hoping to enjoy the abundant life they used to have back then.

Like Piya, families in Marawi are still recovering from the siege. Can you be our partner in this advocacy?

Learn more about what Operation Blessing does. Visit our website or Facebook page now.