It is very important to be transparent especially on the financial report aspects in order to sustain an organization. The Project Development Officers of the Sustainable Livelihood Program are responsible within their areas of responsibility to ensure that the association’s livelihood projects are sustained and are functional by introducing social technologies that enable them achieve it. To reach this goal, trust and confidence among its members in the association is an important foundation. With this in mind, SLP association officers of Pantao Ragat create transparency boards in their respective livelihood project sites to showcase the cash flow, projects (proposed/approved), achievements, and other important documentation.
All verifiable information is accessible to all members.
This lessens having to answer many queries, address complaints, and conflicts among members. Any doubts by a member will simply have to verify information posted on the transparency board.
Transparency and accountability should be the culture in every organization especially in all SLPAs. The most important person to lead the organization in setting this culture are our transformational leaders with the guidance of DSWD workers in guiding them towards a sustainable project and self-managing association.
SLPA Officers are tasked to provide updates in posting financial statements and other pertinent documents.
Story and photos contributed by Joanne M. Siete, Project Development Officer II
Online selling has been long practiced by businesses in the advent of the internet. Different platforms are available in maximizing reach to potential buyers. With more people having access to social media, it has been the most flexible marketplace for online sellers. Despite its great potential, only few people understand how the social network can work in advantage for micro-entrepreneurs.
The webinar is to capacitate our program participants on better engagement and selling of their products through their own business pages.
It is initiated under the Sustainable Livelihood Program on the conduct of a webinar about online selling through social media entitled “SLP: promoting Swak na Local Products” through Google Meet link. The activity is in line with the week-long Likhang Hiraya celebration of DSWD Field Office 10. Target participants are program participants and field workers in improving product-selling and reaching more potential buyers. Resource person is Ms. Piper Ramboanga, online marketing consultant and founder of a consultancy group that provides technical advises to SMEs.
The activity serves as culminating activity of Likhang Hiraya, the photo exhibit and product display of SLP. Photos are exhibited at Lim Ket Kai Mall and Ayala Centrio Mall. Products are sold online through the Facebook page DSWD Region X to avoid crowding in public places.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program of DSWD Field Office 10 has supported micro-enterprises that include food production and has been featured by the Local Government Units at their respective Negosyo Centers under the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI). In promoting such outputs, the agency initiated a cooking-demonstration using SLP products through Facebook livestream.
Culinary Chef Hannah Lei Tiro shares her creativity and cooking skills in using SLP products on her new recipe “Chicken Binagoongan with Kiping Flakes”. The cooking-demo is part of Likhang Hiraya celebration.
Culinary Chef Hannah Lei Tiro, from Culinary Institute of Cagayan, crafted a recipe “Chicken Binagoongan with Kiping Flakes” using Spicy Alamang by TAMA CFB 4Ps SLPA, and Cassava Crisps “kiping” by Raquel Montalba, a Pantawid grantee from Camiguin. The output is a spicy, savory dish that is easy to cook. The recipe and procedure is available at the Facebook page.
Chicken is a staple dish among Filipino households. Infusing it with SLP products inspires viewers to be creative and enjoy a unique savory dish that is easy to make.
Photo exhibits can be found at Ayala Centrio Mall and Lim Ket Kai Mall.
People are having their houses decorated and trees lighted up as the Christmas Season is bringing cheer to Filipino households. Since budget is tighter to buy new ornaments, DIY ones can be made right at the comfort of their homes. A Christmas decor-making session with Ms. May Rose Estrada of Glee Nasbah crafts was initiated by the Sustainable Livelihood Program in using products made the program participants and recyclable materials in transforming them to whimsical decorations. Aside from promoting local products, it also encourages viewers to be more eco-conscious by recycling household items into something decorative or useful. The activity was conducted through Facebook livestream.
Ms. May Rose Estrada shares her craft-making skills in making Christmas decorations in using SLP products and recycled materials.
Likhang Hiraya: Pangarap Patungong PagSibol is an SLP product display and photo exhibit. Banking in the power of images as a communication tool, this activity aims to further educate and engage the general public’s interest in SLP by showcasing the different products from the different SLP associations and individual participants, as well as exhibiting powerful images of the program’s works through the different SLP projects. This display and exhibit shall capture positive, creative, and inspiring images of SLP projects, products, and participants.
Bikog plates transformed into centerpieces or wall decor but simply adding ornaments. The bikog plates are from Lanao del Norte.
Photo exhibit can be viewed at Lim Ket Kai Mall and Ayala Centrio Mall until December 4, 2020. Products are available for orders online, pick up at the regional office or delivery by local courier.
Likhang Hiraya: Pangarap Patungong PagSibol is a product display and photo exhibit by the Sustainable Livelihood Program, showcasing the best of what our program participants have gained through the different modalities. This is a nationwide event with localized initiatives in the implementation.
Likhang Hiraya: Pangarap Patungong PagSibol
For the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10, Likhang Hiraya is celebrated this December 1-4, 2020 through a photo exhibit in 2 mall and online selling of products. Photos on the program implementation and participants from the micro-enterprise and employment facilitation tracks are displayed at Lim Ket Kai Mall and Ayala Centrio Mall. A virtual opening program was done through Facebook livestream with Mr. Rhandy Ladoroz, SLP Regional Program Coordinator , giving insights on the significance of Likhang Hiraya, while Mr. Kaysher Dantalmura, SLP Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, sharing a briefer on what SLP is all about. This year’s product exhibit participants were presented coming from different municipalities of Region 10. Orders have to be made online which is then picked up from the office or have it delivered straight to their homes through a local courier.
SLP expressed through the stories of our program participants on the gains and success brought to their lives.
Virtual mini shows are slated for each day in keeping the interest and awareness of the public. Decoration-making and cooking demonstrations using SLP products are slated each day with invited resource persons. A webinar on online selling by an expert online marketing specialist will serve as culminating activity. Target participants are selected SLP participants and associations with established products and SLP field workers.
Mr. Rhandy Ladoroz, SLP Regional Program Coordinator, sharing the significance on the conduct of Likhang Hiraya. Products made by SLP participants are the main highlight of the event in supporting local enterprises.
This is a first of its kind in conducting a product exhibit, adapting to the health pandemic. Economic activities are being flexible in stemming transmission by going online and offering delivery of their products. This applies as well for SLP in supporting the local products as we love to say “Buy locally, support a Filipino family.” Available products are posted at the Facebook page of DSWD Region X.
Spicy Alamang 200g by TAMA CFB 4Ps SLPA from Naawan, Misamis Oriental for Php 100.00 only. This is just one of the many products available for sale.
Heroes. Modern heroes. A title given to Overseas Filipino Workers as they sacrifice in leaving their families in dreams of having a better life and a brighter future for their children. Not enough employment opportunities for poor household members who have not finished formal schooling is a common background for those who seek employment abroad. As they leave to foreign lands of foreign languages that they have yet to learn, the appeal to become Domestic Workers has been glamorized by movies despite the homesickness, heartaches, and fears faced by these individuals who brave through tears to put smiles on their families back home.
Maribel’s employers are grateful for her cooking skills and respectful attitude. Photo from Maribel’s Facebook account with consent.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 foster partnership with work placement agencies through the Sustainable Livelihood Program who can facilitate employment for non-skilled Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. One of the many private partners is Placewell International Services Corporation. Through a series of Special Recruitment Activities in the different cities and municipalities of Region 10, many Pantawid household members applied for available jobs. A Pantawid household member in the municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte took a leap of faith in applying for work abroad. A mother of three children, Maribel Baquiller sets her sights in providing a better life for her family even if it means leaving them. She used to sell Filipino snack food items such as suman, bibingka, palitaw, and the likes for their daily needs which is proving to be challenging as the expenses are getting bigger as their children are growing. Maribel admits it is not enough even with her husband’s income from driving a motorcycle. “Sakit kayo malayo sa akong mga anak pero akong kayanon ang mga kamingaw ug kaguol para sa ilang kaugmaon (It is hard to be away from my children but I will bear the loneliness and worries for the sake of my children).”, says Maribel.
Maribel keeps in touch with her family back in their hometown through video calls. Photo from Maribel’s Facebook account with consent.
After processing her required papers and passing the interview, Maribel was sent to Saudi Arabia in 2016. Her first few days was filled with mixed emotions of homesickness, excitement of being in another country, and fear of the possibilities of being abused by her employers and co-workers. All of her fears and worries were allayed over time. Her respectful attitude and cooking skills helped earning her employer’s respect and generosity. She was showered with many gifts such as a laptop, cellphone, clothing, and household utensils that she was able to send back home aside from her monthly salary which is increasing every renewal of her contract.
The three children are doing good in school and are active in the school’s activities. Despite the pandemic, the children are enrolled on modular classes. Photo from Maribel’s Facebook account with consent.
Over time, her family’s well-being at home begin to improve. They can now afford for the schooling expenses of her children, have good food on their table, and the opportunity in building their dream home. Maribel is still serving her same employer and is looking towards a better future for her children in sight.
By saving money from her salary, Maribel and her husband are striving to have their dream house finished soon. Photo from Maribel’s Facebook account with consent.
Maribel shares her learned wisdom in working abroad. “The message that I can share to everyone is that they can have the things they desire if they will just keep in mind that personal anguish, fear, and loneliness will be worth it the moment you see a smile and joy on your children’s faces. I thank God for this opportunity because I can say to myself that I can stand whatever trials I may face because I have now these skills that I can depend on.”
Story contributed by Franze Jemima Kesia Alcoran-Mapandi
Pundasyon ng kaunlaran ang edukasyon. Ang halaga nito’y kailanman ay hindi matutumbasan. Ito ang tanging kayamanan na pamana ng magulang sa kanyang anak. Ngunit, sadyang may mga balakid na sadyang sumusukat sa katatagan at sumusubok sa pagsisikap ng mga taong gustong mag-aral.
Kadalasang balakid sa pag-aaral ay ang kakulangan ng pantustos ng mga magulang sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng kanilang mga anak. Ang mga harang na ito’y tila madaling mahawi para sa mga taong patuloy na tinatahak ang piniling daan kahit na maraming unos at bagyo ang kanilang madadaanan. Sila ang nagsisilbing representasyon na walang imposible na bagay sa mundo. Lahat ay posible.
Pangatlo sa pitong magkakapatid si Alejandrino Yator Jr. o Jun kung tawagin sa kanyang pamilya’t kaibigan. Maagang namulat sa kahirapan ng buhay. Ang kanilang pamilya ay larawan ng isang tipikal na uri ng pamilya sa lipunan na tanging ang bumubuhay ay ang padre de pamilya.
Nagsasaka ang kanyang ama sa lupaing hindi naman sa kanila. Ito ang pinagkukunan nila ng ikabubuhay para lamang makatawid sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Salat man sa karangyaan, hindi ito nagpapahina sa kalooban ng kanilang mga magulang na papag-aralin at supurtahan ang kanilang mga anak.
Kahit malayo na narating niya sa buhya, hindi kinalimutan ni Jun kung saan siya nagsimula at ipinagmamalaki niya ito dahil ang pagiging magsasaka ay isang mainam na kabuhayan.
Nasa elementarya pa lamang si Jun nang natutong magtanim ng palay. Lahat silang magkakapatid ay katuwang ng kanilang ama sa pagsasaka. Kailangan nilang magtutulungan upang magapi ang lakas ng kahirapan. Naging playground niya ang sakahan. Ang mga palay at kuhol, ang kanyang naging mga laruan at kalaro.
Nag-aaral siya sa Labo National High School noon nang sinubok ng kapalaran ang kanilang pamilya. Talagang kulang para sa kanilang pagkain ang kita ng kanilang ama kaya napilitan siyang huminto sa pag-aaral. Gustuhin man niyang tapusin ang haiskul ngunit kailangan muna niyang unahin ang kumakalam nilang sikmura. Dahil sa hirap ng buhay, dalawang beses siyang huminto sa pag-aaral. Umabot sa anim na taon ang kanyang ginugol para lamang makapagtapos ng haiskul.
Pagkatapos niyang makuha ang diploma sa haiskul, isinantabi muna niya ang kanyang mga pangarap. Pamilya ang kanyang inuuna. “Mas pinili kong magtanim ng palay kaysa mag- aral. Buong araw akong nakabilad sa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ni haring araw, sa pagtulo ng aking pawis kasabay din ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha. Walang araw na dumaan na hindi ko sinasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ako tatandang ganito”
Sa oras ng pamamahinga, palaging sumagi sa kanyang isip ang natutulog niyang pangarap. Tinitimbang kung hahayaan na lamang matulog habambuhay o kailangan na niya itong pukawin. Buong lakas siyang nagpasyang gumising mula sa mahabang pagkahimbing. Bitbit ang lakas ng loob at determinasyon, iniwan niya ang buhay pagsasaka.
Batid niyang hindi maging madali ang daan patungo sa kanyang pangarap. Mga daan na katulad ng karamihang kalsada sa Pilipinas, maraming lubak-lubak at liko ngunit may mahaba pa rin at matuwid na pwedeng pagpipilian.
Nagsisimula siyang mag-ipon upang maipagpatuloy ang kaniyang pag-aaral. Namasukan siya bilang isang taga- hugas ng sasakyan sa Route 88 Auto Spa. Tumagal siya ng isang taon sa pagtatrabaho doon hanggang sa nakilala niya ang isang Pari ng simbahang katoliko- si Fr. Sandy Cometa. Hinikayat siya nito na pumasok sa Seminaryo.
Pinagtiyagaan ni Jun habang nasa loob siya ng seminary para lang makamit ang kanyang pangarap na maiahon niya ang kanyang sarili at kanyang pamilya.
“Pahirapan daw ang buhay bilang isang Seminarista. Kailangan mong sundin lahat ng batas ng Seminaryo para hindi ka matanggal”. Sa Semnaryo siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral sa pribadong paaralan ng La Salle University. Minabuti niyang manirahan at mananatili dito kahit nahihirapan dahil nakikita niyang mas okey sa seminary kaysa nasa palayan siya,- maghapong nakayuko at maililibing nalang sa limot ang kanyang pangarap.
Tumagal ng apat na taon ang paninirahan niya sa seminary. Sa hindi niya maipaliwanag na dahilan, pinalabas siya ng mga pari. Walang paliwanag, walang paglilinaw. Basta na lamang siyang pinauwi sa kanila. Nakaramdam siya ng pagkabahala para sa kanyang pangarap. Naitanong niya sa kanyan sarili, Paano nalang ang mga pangarap ko? Babalik na naman ba ako sa pagtatanim ng palay?
Hindi niya sinukuan ang kanyang pangarap. Naging magulo man ito ng mga pangyayari ngunit hindi ito nakapagpatinag sa kanyang hangarin na maabot ang nag-iisang mithi ng buhay bagkus lalong nagpapatibay ito sa kanyang pagkatao.
Miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4P’S ang pamilya ni Alejandro kaya ni refer namin siya sa aming partner na Pribadong Ahensiya (Jolly Management Solutions).
Naging tulay sa kanyang pagpasok sa Jollibee ang Sustainable Livelihood Program ng dahil magkasyoso ang DSWD sa pribadong ahensya.
Nakapasok siya bilang service crew sa Jollibe Ozamiz. Minamabuti niyang ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral. Pinagsabay ang pag-aaral at trabaho. Ang kikitain niya dito ay para sa kanyang pag-aaral. Napakahirap! Puyat, pagod, galit mula sa boss, pagmumura mula sa mga customer,Lahat nang iyan ay buong puso niyang tiniis at hinarap. Tanging ang bumubuhay lamang sa kanya ay ang matinding damdamin na makatapos sa kolehiyo. Lahat ng disesyon, pokus ay para lamang sa pangarap. Hanggang sa natapos niya ang kursong Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy sa isang kilalang unibersidad ng Ozamiz.
Ngiting tagumpay matapos sa mga hirap at pagsubok na dinaan ni Jun.
Ngayon, isa na siyang ganap na guro at kasalukuyang nagtuturo sa Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology sa syudad ng Tangub.
Patuloy pa rin sa pagtuturo si Jun sa kanyang skwelahan sa pamamagitan ng online class ng dahil sa pandemya.
Ang mga karanasan niya sa buhay ang humuhubog sa kanyang buhay ngayon. Itinuturing na lamang niya itong sahog na nagpadagdag sa lasa ng niluluto niyang buhay. Isa lang ang nais niyang iparting sa kanyang kwento, ang ibahaging huwag sukuan ang pangarap dahil kung magkaganoon ikaw ang talo.
Kwento at retrato mula ni Mark Mangubat, Project Development Officer II
Many establishments are greatly affected with the ongoing health pandemic. Small enterprises are among the badly hit as they have exhausted reserved resources during the lockdown. After the lift of the lockdown, many stores were not able to operate again.
But for All Rice SLPA at Brgy. Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, their Community Store has to work through the lockdown and face many challenges like restrictions as they serve their Indigenous People (IP) community situated in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA).
Extra measures were added by the SLP association to reduce the risk of transmission between the customers and the store operators.
The SLPA adapted the health protocols for COVID – 19 pandemic prevention such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing, but one notable initiative they did was installation of a wash area outside of their store where the customers could wash their hands; and plastic cellophanes were placed within their vicinity. The need for balance with economic needs and health safety would depend on the precautions set by local authorities and compliance of establishments. The association officers have taken these initiatives into themselves so that they can continue operating and serving their community.
Installing a handwash facility is to reinforce the message of having to frequently clean our hands in reducing the risk of virus transmission.
Their project has been operational for almost two (2) years already and have been growing ever since they opened up. It was originally a rice retailing store which was then expanded into a community store.
Composed of 40 members from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, 21 of the association members are members of the Matsulog tribe. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 has always been prioritizing the marginalized and vulnerable in its programs and services. These identified groups, especially if they belong to poor households, are provided with opportunities to increase their earning capacities in becoming self-sufficient families. Their adaptation to new technologies and health safety measures ensures that IP communities continue to thrive in the modern world.
This Global Handwashing Day, we put great emphasis on the general public the importance to wash their hands with soap properly (at least 20 seconds) and frequently, especially during this pandemic. We can only end this with the cooperation of every individual. More important so the proper wearing of face masks, observance of physical distancing, and to stay at home except for essential errands.
All Rice SLPA is composed majorly with Pantawid household members from the Matsulog tribe. Adaptation ensure continuing existence of our IP communities.
May All Rice SLPA serve as a good example for all other SLP projects when it comes to hygiene promotion and disaster responsiveness.
Story and photos contributed by Ivanne Jay Zafra, Project Development Officer II
