TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Calaccad Farmers Association (CFA) has formally opened its merchandise store in Sitio Banneng, Calaccad today, May 28.
Larry Licudine, the association’s president, said the group unanimously agreed to establish a merchandise store since it is a profitable project, especially considering there are only a few stores in Sitio Banneng.
Licudine believes that this livelihood project will help improve the lives of the 26 active members of the association.
He said the association used the first tranche of cash assistance amounting to PhP300,000 given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-PAMANA Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to buy school supplies, grocery items, pharmaceuticals, rice, and LPG for the store.
The store is open daily and is managed by a regular staff member responsible for preparing the financial records and other administrative tasks.
Meanwhile, the release of the second and final tranche of the grant amounting to PhP300,000, will depend on the success of the business, according to Micah Joy Mahener, representative of the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Office-Kalinga.
Mahener mentioned that the challenge of making the project thrive and become sustainable in the coming years, and possibly reach expansion, relies on the willingness of the members to share their entrepreneurial skills and set aside their individual differences to help the business grow.
Based on records obtained from the SWAD Office, there are 15 PAMANA-SLP partner associations/organizations in the city identified as beneficiaries of the livelihood project, and all have already received the first tranche of assistance.
To become eligible for the PAMANA-SLP, the association/organization must have a minimum of 15 members and come from conflict-affected communities as identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
The OPAPRU is a government agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating the country’s peacebuilding, reconciliation, and unity efforts. It provides livelihood assistance as part of its broader mandate to promote peace, reconciliation, and development in conflict-affected areas. These programs economically empower individuals and communities, addressing poverty and inequality, which are often root causes of conflict.
During the opening of the livelihood project, several personalities expressed their wishes for the successful operation of the store. Among those who attended were Sison Paut from the Provincial Local Government Unit; Napoleon Ayang-ang, Oliver Mendoza, and Enrique Baliang, representatives of City Mayor Darwin Estrañero and City Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o; Aida Bermillo, SLP Focal Person from the City Social Welfare and Development Office; Calaccad Barangay Chairman Joel Guinanas; and Marle Legman of SWAD Kalinga. By Darwin S. Serion