The Balatacan Makugihon C4 SLPA was organized last April 2019 with 25 members from Barangay Balatacan, Tangub City. All of the members are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. Their proposed project or livelihood is a Mini General Merchandise, focusing more on the Farming Fertilizers, Fishing Tools and Supplies. They were funded by Department of Social Welfare and Development under the Sustainable Livelihood Program with the amount of Php 375,000.00.

 The association faced many challenges even before they get to start with the project due to low participation of members in its meetings and planning. They thought that they will be relieved of their problems once they receive their funds but much to their dismay, it was only the beginning.

Things started to break down when the negotiation for the use of land on their first selected location was cancelled when the landowner changed their mind despite the near completion of the physical structure of the store. The mistake was not having a legal document to support their initial agreements that the construction was put on hold.

What followed was when the orders for the fishing materials and supplies were cancelled because most of the fishermen in the area were caught by the sea police after being caught at the protected fish sanctuary.

The overwhelming issues proved too much for the association officers who are mostly of senior age.

Living up to the name of their association, “Makugihon” which means to be hardworking or industrious, the association worked out their problems.

One of the association member offered a space within their property as new location of their store. People were hired to deconstruct the almost finished store. Even women helped in the laborious task of transferring the salvaged materials. As a lesson learned, they will be working out on having a written agreement

They still bought some of the needed supplies for fishing activities near the shoreline. A resolution was made to add grocery items since technically they are Mini General Merchandise and are encouraged by the locals as their barangay is along the National Highway but too far from the city proper.

Their Grand Opening is bittersweet for all. Dr. Jennifer W. Tan, City Mayor, and the rest of the City Council and Local Government Unit officials were present in the event in giving their support to the association.

As the President of the association, Arcelie Ocampos has only these words to say, “Basta lang jud magkugi, walay dili masulbad. Magkanunayon lang sa Pagtoo ug paghimo kutob sa makaya. (As long as we we work hard, there is nothing we cannot solve. To be united in faith and making it work with what we can).”

The event was made more significant as Dr. Tan, their City Mayor, imparted her own words of wisdom, “Encourage nako ang association nga ampingan ug palamboon ang mga proyekto nga gihatag kay dako kaayo ni ikatabang sa mga lumulupyo sa Brgy. Balatacan labi na karong pandemic para dili na kinahanglan pa ang komunidad molayo pa sa pagpamalit kay naa na man inyo livelihood. Dili na lang kamo isa lang ka lumulupyo kun dili isa na kamo ka businessman (I encourage the association in taking care and making this project grow that is given to all of you, which would be a big help to your community in Brgy. Balatacan especially in this time of pandemic wherein the people do not have to travel far because of the now present livelihood project. You are not just residents but you are all now businessmen).”

The City Mayor even went into suggesting to their Barangay Chairperson in linking the association with one of the city’s major supermarket to sign them up as members so that can avail discounts on wholesale purchase. The private establishment responded to be open in providing free delivery of orders through proper communication channels.

Story and photos by Kay Lousil Sardenia, Project Development Officer II