Located in the picturesque Cordillera Administrative Region, San Pedro, Rizal, Kalinga is defined by its rugged terrain and the resilience of its people. This remote community, far from the conveniences of city life, faces significant challenges due to its isolation. Limited access to essential supplies, compounded by the scarcity of nearby stores, deepens this sense of remoteness. Although recent efforts have led to the opening of a few local shops, the challenging landscape often complicates transportation, making access to necessities difficult.
In this setting, the residents of San Pedro sustain their livelihoods primarily through cultivating rice, vegetables, and root crops. Despite their hard work, they earn modest daily wages of about Php 200 to Php 250, which is insufficient to fully meet their needs. This backdrop of physical isolation and socioeconomic struggles highlights the community’s urgent need for support to foster sustainable development.
A thorough market analysis revealed the potential for a buy-and-sell business, driven by the existing resources in the area and the entrepreneurial spirit of its members. The study identified a strong demand for various goods and services among locals and nearby barangays. This insight motivated the community to establish a business that could meet these needs. Support from both private partners, such as suppliers and wholesalers, and public partners, including LGU Rizal and DTI, provided vital resources and guidance for the initiative.
With a grant of Php 195,000 from DSWD-SLP, the Green Hills Bigasan SLPA, led by President Leoning Bacoog Dumanas and comprising 13 members, launched a mini grocery and rice retailing business in Sitio Green Hills. This financial boost enabled the SLPA to commence operations on November 14, 2019, marking a milestone in their journey. Additionally, the SLP provided capacity-building seminars, equipping members with essential skills in inventory management, marketing strategies, financial planning, and customer service. This blend of financial aid and training empowered the association to start their business with confidence and maximize their potential for success.
From Survival to Prosperity
The livelihood project quickly led to notable achievements. With profits generated, the SLPA invested in essential assets like a refrigerator, expanding their ability to store perishable goods and diversify their product range. A structured seller schedule was established, ensuring efficient operation management. The association also secured a Mayor’s Permit and other necessary attachments, such as sanitary and fire safety permits, demonstrating their commitment to legal compliance and quality standards. A DSWD certification further validated their status as an accredited organization under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The association’s market reach included residents of Sitio Green Hills, commuters in Centro San Pedro, and people from nearby barangays in Solana, Cagayan. Sitio Green Hills, a community hub, became an ideal base for the SLPA’s business. The association’s sales increased significantly, After consolidating the SLPA’s sales, the following financial summaries were compiled: Sales figures demonstrated a notable upward trajectory over the years, with revenues reaching Php85,896.00 in 2019, Php 2,325,315.00 in 2020, Php 2,039,481.00 in 2021, Php 3,036,593.00 in 2022, and Php 3,383,089.00 in 2023. This significant growth in sales translated into tangible benefits for the association’s members. In 2021, each member received their first profit- sharing totaling Php 15,000.00, followed by Php 2,700.00 in 2022, and Php 3,900.00 in January 2024. Furthermore, reflecting the improved financial performance of the association, the wage of members/sellers for the day increased from the initial rate of Php 75.00 per day to Php 150.00 and eventually to their current rate of Php 300.00 per day. These developments underscore the positive impact of the SLPA’s endeavors on the socio-economic well-being of its members, reflecting both financial growth and increased opportunities for earning and prosperity.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) benefits from a robust support system provided by various stakeholders. In 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized a bookkeeping seminar, which several members of the association attended. This seminar equipped them with essential skills and knowledge in financial management, enabling them to effectively monitor and track their business transactions. Furthermore, the SLPA receives regular monitoring and guidance from the Local Government Unit (LGU) and SLP staff, particularly the Monitoring Project Development Officer. These monitoring activities ensure that the association remains on track with its objectives and receives timely support and assistance as needed. As a result of these efforts, the association maintains a healthy financial position, with a cash balance of Php 11,692.00 in the bank after the recent profit-sharing. Additionally, the total inventories as of December 31, 2023, amounted to Php 174,672.27, reflecting the association’s efficient management of resources and commitment to sustainable growth. Overall, this support system plays a crucial role in facilitating the SLPA’s success and sustainability in its entrepreneurial endeavors.
Seeds of Transformation
Leoning, a resilient and hardworking grandmother at 72 years old, epitomizes the strength and determination of SLPA members in the face of adversity. Despite her age and responsibilities as a care provider for her grandchildren, she tirelessly tends to her garden, demonstrating her commitment to sustaining her family’s livelihood. However, before becoming part of the livelihood program, Leoning’s assets were limited and her family faced financial challenges. Her livelihood assets included a vacant lot for housing, an unfinished payment for a rice field, chickens raised for consumption, a small garden, and her knowledge of gardening to generate profits. Since becoming part of the SLPA program, Leoning has seen a significant shift. Her work has become much less physically taxing, allowing her to focus more on her well-being while still contributing to her family’s needs. With the SLPA’s support, Leoning no longer has to exert herself as before, easing the physical strain on her health. Leoning’s positive attitude and unwavering dedication to her family’s well-being serve as a beacon of hope and resilience. Despite occasional financial hardships and health concerns, she remains determined to make ends meet and provide for her loved ones. Leoning’s story exemplifies the vulnerability faced by SLPA members before the intervention of the livelihood program and underscores the importance of providing support and resources to empower individuals like her to improve their socio-economic circumstances.
The SLP intervention significantly boosted the members’ livelihood assets, allowing them to better utilize resources and seize opportunities for growth. The Green Hills Bigasan project gained a loyal customer base due to its affordability and member-driven teamwork. Members worked collaboratively, managing investments and maintaining transparent financial practices. This approach fostered trust and resilience, leading to successful outcomes.
The project’s impact extended beyond individual members. With profits, some invested in new ventures like piggery farming or opened their own sari-sari stores, enhancing household resilience and contributing to the local economy. The association’s store also reduced the need for residents to travel for groceries, offering them affordable options within the community and supporting local development. The SLPA’s efforts thus strengthened both individual livelihoods and community prosperity.#DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, PDO II, with Micah Joy N. Mahener, PDO II – SWAD Kalinga.
