Sitio Firstgate is a lively community situated just a 20-minute ride or a 30 to 45-minute walk from the barangay hall of Ucab, Itogon. The primary livelihood activities here center around the buy-and-sell of mine tailings, which reflects the Region’s mining industry. In addition to this, residents pursue various ventures, including hog raising, running sari-sari stores, vending snacks, and creating handicrafts. Some community members are also employed in various government and non-government agencies, while others seek work abroad as domestic helpers, factory workers, or nurses.
Among these entrepreneurs is Elizabeth Boligon Aquino, who began her journey by buying and selling mine tailings and snacks. However, her entrepreneurial path changed when she received the Seed Capital Fund (SCF) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). With this financial support, she ventured into peanut butter processing. Unfortunately, the business lasted only two months as many customers faced difficulties in settling their debts. This challenge led Elizabeth to return to snack vending.
Residing in a community bustling with potential due to the influx of workers from the nearby mining sites, schools, and construction projects, Elizabeth seized the opportunity to adapt her business model. She set up her stall along a busy road leading to the Municipality, selling popular items like pancakes, turon, burgers, and beverages. Her efforts have proven fruitful, with an estimated monthly net income ranging from Php 8,000 to Php 15,000, and total sales reaching between Php 20,000 to Php 40,000.
Despite facing challenges during the pandemic that temporarily halted her operations, Elizabeth successfully revived her enterprise in September 2022, and it has remained operational ever since. As one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) benefiting from the Seed Capital Fund, she has skillfully managed her resources and income, showcasing the positive impact of the support she received.
Grateful for the opportunity afforded to her through the DSWD’s program, Elizabeth highlights how the Seed Capital Fund has provided her family with a significant financial boost, allowing them to accumulate assets that can be passed down to their children. This assistance not only helped her establish a sustainable source of income but also allowed her to build savings for the future.
Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the positive impact of targeted support programs. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, she adapted and persevered, turning a modest investment into a thriving snack vending business that provides for her family and contributes to the local economy. The assistance from the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program has not only equipped her with financial stability but has also given her the confidence and means to secure a better future for her children. Elizabeth’s journey underscores the importance of continued support for local entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with the right resources and determination, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve lasting financial independence. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, Administrative Assistant III, with Heidi Medino, MPDO SWAD Benguet.
