Anilao, Iloilo – 4Ps Poblacion Kabuhayan SLP Association is a women-led association funded by DSWD through its Sustainable Livelihood Program in 2018. The SLPA received P270,000 for their rice retailing project that covered initial expenses in the purchase of rice varieties, weighing scale, and other essential store equipment.
Like any other enterprise, the association admits being affected by the pandemic especially during the quarantine period. Despite the threat of being infected, the members still decided to open their store and continue its operation while following the basic health and safety protocols. With their dedication, good leadership and a good location in Brgy. Poblacion which is the center of trade in the Municipality, they hurdled the effects of the pandemic to their enterprise.
The association has 12 active members who are all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. Before the intervention, these women spend their time managing household duties and most of them earns around 1,000 – 1,500 pesos per month from agricultural work and ambulant vending which unfortunately was not enough to cover their families’ daily expenses.
Now, the SLPA earns around 8,000-20,000 per month. The members also received their dividends for two consecutive years which gave them and their families extra cash and gift packs for the holidays.
The SLPA has already secured necessary permits from the municipality, and the DSWD has also endorsed certification and accreditation documents. Within few months of operation, they also added agricultural products in the retail store to cater to the needs of Anilao’s agri-industry.
Association members also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and trust given to them by the agency and the Municipality of Anilao. The enterprise has greatly helped them in making ends meet especially during this time of the pandemic. The association enterprise did not only uplift their economic status but also provided them the avenue to foster good relationships with 4Ps members and practice management skills that will be beneficial for them in the near future.
“Ang negosyo indi lang naghatag sa amon bulig para sa amon pang adlaw-adlaw pero ini nangin pamaagi man nga makapamaayo sa amon pag-abyanay nga mga miyembro ka 4Ps diri sa Brgy. Poblacion (The business did not only help us in our daily needs but also has created a good friendship within the 4Ps members here in Brgy. Poblacion), ” says Adelfa Luis, SLP Association President.//