Hopeful for their children’s future, Pantawid Pamilya mothers of Barangay Dapitan, Cordova, Cebu have recently opened a general merchandise store with the aid of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

SLP is among the poverty alleviation programs of the government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It aims to enhance the socio-economic activities of the poor families through livelihood, capacity building and entrepreneurial skills development.

Carmelita Manayon, 44, Pantawid Pamilya parent leader in the said barangay bared that their group composed of 40 members have decided to put up a general merchandise store because they have observed that the stores in their area cannot cater the demands of the residents.

“We saw a bigger opportunity when we found a strategic area near a school along the highway,”she said.

Manayon’s group started operating last May 8 and is currently earning an average of Php 2,000 to Php 3,000 a day.

They sell rice, school supplies, canned goods, detergent soaps, shampoos and some other items.

“We also display the products of other SLP associations like peanut butter and floor rags,” she said.

Manayon, a mother of three, disclosed that the store’s net income will be equally divided among the members.

She narrated that with the stores opening, “I can now save for my children’s education.”

Her husband Ritchel works as a factory worker. Carmelita admits that Ritchel’s meager income will not be enough when their children enters college.

Like Carmelita, members of the Dapitan SLP organization are optimistic of their children’s future because they can now help augment the income of their respective spouses.

The group also plans to sell viand in time for the school opening this June.

DSWD-7 has allocated Php 309,839.50 for the said undertaking.

Meanwhile, SLP has already served about 3,800 beneficiaries with a fund assistance of Php 38.7 million in Central Visayas. ###

(7) Views