Cordillera Administrative Region- A livelihood training center worth 2.1 Million was turned over to a local coffee growers’ group in Badeo, Kibungan, Benguet on January 31, 2019.
The Badeo Arabica Coffee Growers’ Organization (BACGO) formally accepted the responsibility of managing and maintaining the livelihood training center which was built through the DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS and the local government unit of Kibungan.
DSWD-CAR Promotive Programs OIC Division Chief Arnold D. Lartec said the livelihood training center will serve as a facility for the residents to develop their skills as well as their products. He also reminded the community to always take care and maximize the facility to improve their income.
The barangay proposed the sub-project during the third cycle implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS stating that they need a facility where they can conduct livelihood activities.
Kalahi-CIDSS is a poverty reduction program of DSWD that uses the community-driven development approach in empowering communities. The program gives communities control in the identification, planning and implementation of activities and projects. One cycle of the program is ideally implemented in one year.
During the municipal inter-barangay forum for participatory resource allocation, representatives from the barangay presented that they are interested to gain additional income through their local products. However, the 6-8 hours hike to Barangay Poblacion always discourages them from attending capacity-building activities.
BACGO President Ambo Gapad said that trainings are usually held at the town center but recently many public and private agencies are willing to reach out and conduct livelihood trainings in Barangay Badeo, thus the decision to build a livelihood training center.
On the other hand, Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas expressed their support to the endeavor of the community. He further said that the local government unit supports local product development and provides necessary equipment through the office of the municipal agriculture.
Molitas also challenged the residents to increase their coffee and muscovado production for selling to target markets outside the municipality. Currently, their products are still on subsistence level.
Through the livelihood training center, the community is looking forward to develop and market their products in the municipality and to private individuals or shops outside the municipality.
BACGO President Gapad further shared that the officers and members of BACGO were trained on the operation and maintenance of the livelihood center, thus they are ready to take responsibility of its management.
Barangay Badeo received more than 4.8 million fund grant from Kalahi-CIDSS since 2015. Adding it with the LGU counterparts, they were able to implement a school building in Sitio Mocgao; a health station in Sitio Tableo; and the livelihood training center in Badeo Proper.
For four cycles, DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS and the municipality of Kibungan implemented around 33.6 million community grants in the seven barangays of the town. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Jasmin Kiaso
