“Wala gyud mi mag expect aning among mga achievements na makab-ot ni namo sa kadaghan nga challenges nga among nasugatan pagsugod pa lang namo (We never expected to have these achievements given the many challenges we encountered when we first started),” shared Reyna Chris Remonsada, president of Montealegre Vendors 8Ps Association, in Tuburan, Cebu.

Remonsada recalled that the challenge started even if they had not yet implemented their general merchandise “Una ang panday, wala siya motuman sa unang gikasabotan namo na suhol, so nangita na usab mig lain, ika duha ang uban wala na mo-tunga og nikalas sa grupo sugod atong nag voluntary kamig tabang sa pag construct sa tindahan, aron makaminus kami sa labor fee (First, the carpenter did not keep the initial fee we agreed on, so we looked for another one. Second, the others did not get along and left the group after we volunteered to help build the shop, so we could reduce the labor fee).”

Despite facing numerous challenges, the spirit of the team remained unfazed. They worked closely and coordinated effectively with the SLP staff assigned to their area to seek assistance.

By the time they reached 11 months of implementation, “we were excited to report that we had achieved sales of over 500,000.00. This accomplishment thrilled us and motivated us to work even harder,” Remonsada recalled.

“Thanks to the increased revenue from the store, we also received our monthly profit sharing,” Jessica Arcipe shared in dialect.

Arcipe, a solo parent, shares that the honorarium she receives as a barangay health worker (BHW) is not enough to cover her family’s needs. However, the monthly profit share she receives is a huge help to her family.

As the association’s secretary, Arcipe diligently ensures that she completes her tasks, including delivering minutes of meetings and keeping everyone informed about updates and goals. She strives to keep everyone motivated as they work toward growing their dream business.

The association members are confident that they will achieve their goals as they have the full support of the barangay and the municipal local government unit (LGU). LGU Tuburan appointed livelihood focal persons to assist with technical support and monitoring.

In addition, partner agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Cebu Technical University (CTU) Tuburan Campus are collaborating to provide skills enhancement training for the SLPAs in Tuburan, which includes topics on bookkeeping and business management.

Remonsada recognized the holistic support received from the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tuburan, and all its partner agencies. Ramonsada expressed her gratitude for the training she attended and the lessons and skills she learned running their business because it helped them.

The Montealegre Vendors 8Ps Association received their Seed Capital Fund from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) amounting to 390,000 pesos on December 22, 2022, earning members more than they had dreamed of.

On May 12, 2024, the Montealegre Vendors 8Ps Association opened two additional branches of general merchandise in Purok Fatima and Purok Birhen sa Regla. The association opened another branch in Purok San Isidro to provide the community the convenience of having a complete store and reduce the need for costly motorcycle fares since their barangay is 14 kilometers from the town proper.

In addition, they have also raised 100 chicken broilers and ventured into mushroom production. However, a newly funded association also engaged in mushroom production, and they decided to stop their mushroom production and give way to the other association. They wanted to set an example by giving importance to fostering a spirit of mutual support rather than having a competition.

Recently, the Montealegre Vendors 8Ps Association received the certificate of registration and approval from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), which provides them with an expanded market for their business.

Remonsada, Arcipe, and the rest of the Montealegre Vendors 8Ps Association exemplify the SLP’s tagline, Sibol Kabuhayan tungo sa Pagyabong. Like a nurtured seed, the association has grown into a strong and thriving organization. Now on the path to greater sustainability, they transitioned to a cooperative—empowering their members and ensuring long-term economic progress for their community. ###

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