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BAGUIO CITY — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – North Luzon Regional Office (NCMF-NLRO), under the leadership of Regional Director Atty. Raihanah Sarah T. Macarimpas, through the Socio-Economic Development Division (SEDD) in partnership with TESDA Bulacan, successfully conducted a Community-Based Skills Training on Pan de Sal and Spanish Bread Making for the Muslim community of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, on December 4, 2025.It was held at Sawmill Muslim Community, Barangay Gaya-gaya, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
It’s part of the continuous livelihood interventions of NCMF-NL aimed at empowering Muslim communities by equipping them with practical skills for sustainable income generation. The program focused on enhancing the participants capability to produce two popular bakery products: pandesal and spanish bread, suitable for home-based or community-level microenterprises.
TESDA Bulacan’s assigned trainer, Ms. Lorna G. Flores, led the technical sessions and demonstrated the complete baking process. Participants were guided through ingredient preparation, kneading, dough handling, shaping, proofing, and baking for both pandesal and spanish bread. A hands-on workshop allowed participants to practice each step, gaining confidence in producing quality baked products.
The trainer also discussed essential concepts such as food safety, sanitation, proper equipment handling, and basic costing ensuring that participants are equipped not only with practical skills but also with foundational knowledge for livelihood sustainability. The batches of pandesal and spanish bread produced during the practical sessions were distributed to all participants.
The program was facilitated by the SEDD team composed of Acting Chief Engr. Fatimah M. Calbe and DMO II, Ms. Norjannah M. Binatak, ensuring the smooth conduct of the activity and providing full support to the participants. Also assisting during the activity were NCMF staff Ms. Johara D. Calbe, Ms. Asnimah M. Casanguan, Ms. Nashren S. Datumulok, Ms. Fatima Raizah L. Adil, Hassanor M. Sarip, Norsad P. Simbanatao, Whasief Diabo, and Adraje Adapun.
The NCMF – North Luzon expresses its sincere appreciation to TESDA Bulacan for their continuous support to the Commission’s socio-economic development initiatives. The provision of skilled trainers and technical resources significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the Community-Based Skills Training. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to uplifting Muslim communities through accessible and practical livelihood programs.
NCMF-North Luzon Continues Legal Assistance for its Constituents
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – North Luzon Regional Office headed by Regional Director Atty. Raihanah Sarah T. Macarimpas, through the Legal Division, led by Chief Atty. Abbas S. Macadatar, pursuant to the directive of the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BOL) , Central Office, to expand the legal assistance services of the Regional Offices, NCMF-North Luzon, through its Legal Division, provided legal assistance from December 1 to 3, 2025, at the Pampanga Field Office.
This deployment was conducted to augment personnel, as no lawyer is currently assigned to the field office. The initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring access to justice and legal support for Muslim Filipinos in need.
Legal Assistance Provided:
1. Policewoman (non-muslim) Seeking Divorce Consultation
A policewoman consulted with the Legal Division regarding a divorce decree obtained by her husband.
She was guided on her legal options and the appropriate steps she may take to protect her rights.
2. Muslim Lady Guard Victim of Physical Assault
A Muslim female security guard who was physically assaulted sought legal assistance.
The Legal Division assisted her in drafting her judicial affidavit and prepared her witnesses for the case.
Continued legal support will be provided as her case progresses in court.
3. Muslim Male Allegedly Victim of Attempted Unlawful Arrest
A Muslim male approached the Legal Division after allegedly being subjected to an attempted unlawful arrest by individuals identifying themselves as police officers, accusing him of selling illegal drugs.
Assistance was provided in drafting his complaint affidavit, preparing his witnesses, and organizing them for submission to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for proper investigation.
The NCMF-North Luzon remains committed to providing timely and effective legal support to Muslim Filipinos, upholding the principles of justice, due process, and protection of rights, in line with the expanded mandate from the Central Office, and to support field offices currently without assigned legal personnel. (/)