A year ago, 29 women from a small barangay in Ubay, Bohol, took a significant step toward earning extra income during their free time. Their dream began to take shape when they attended a barangay assembly and learned about the Sustainable Livelihood Program’s Zero Hunger Program (SLP-ZHP)—a government initiative designed to empower communities through livelihood projects that combat hunger and poverty.
“Lima ka tuig gikan karon ang among panglantaw nga magmalambuon kami ug maghatag kinig kasayon sa tagsa-tagsa namo nga kahimtang sa grupo (Five years from now, we see ourselves flourishing and providing comfort to each group member),” said Celerina Busano, president of the Bongbong Sustainable Livelihood Association (BOSULIA), her voice filled with hope, as she shared her visions for the future of their association.
“The one-and-a-half-day barangay assembly and the three-day training changed everything,” Celerina recalled. The SLP-ZHP orientation equipped them with essential business skills, motivating them to form an association and draft a proposal for a community-based enterprise.
The group rejoiced when SLP approved their proposal for a ₱323,000 seed funding. “We were overjoyed because our dream finally came true,” shared Gina A. Amora, the BOSULIA treasurer. Balancing household duties with a thriving business was no longer just a distant dream for these women.
However, starting a business was not easy. Internal conflicts arose; some members left while others stayed but neglected their roles. “It was upsetting,” admitted Celerina. Yet, the remaining members persevered. They managed their general merchandise store religiously, perfected their pastillas (carabao milk candy) recipe, and attended every SLP training session.
It took them months to stay on track and their efforts paid off. “Niagi ang fiesta ug daghang kalihokan sa barangay didto dako kaayo ang among kita. Sugod adto, daghan na kaayo mig customer tungod kay kami ra ang kompleto og tinda, ug dili na sila kinahanglan moadtog lungsod (The fiesta and the numerous activities in our barangay has helped us much. Our earnings increased, and since then, we have attracted many customers because we are the only store that offers a complete range of goods, eliminating the need for them to go to the town),” Gina recounted.
They have gained regular customers and increased sales of their general merchandise. Their pastillas de leche dairy product also gained recognition through the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).
The PCC, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture and one of the partner agencies of the SLP-Zero Hunger Program, is mandated to conserve, propagate, and promote the Carabao as a source of milk, meat, and draft power and to benefit rural farmers. It also provides skills training, especially on dairy products. ###
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