When Marivic P. Yrauda started to lead as an adviser of a federated women’s organization called The Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) in her hometown of Sugbay Uno, Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, she knew she had to do something to help fellow women live empowered lives.

Her stature as leader in the community and experience dealing with government agencies helped her in making this desire a reality.

“I saw that in my community, a number of married women didn’t have jobs who barely get by in life. I knew this needed to change,” Marivic said.

However, her dream required funding.

“It was a blessing that we knew about DOLE’s livelihood program. It was easy to form an association since we are already organized as a federation under the KALIPI of the local government,” she said.

And so, Sugbay Uno Kalipi Association composed of 41 women came into existence on January 27, 2020. They immediately endorsed a business idea to DOLE’s Zamboanga del Sur Field Office livelihood focal person.

“As a group, we didn’t have to think hard enough about our business idea. We all agreed that commercial egg production would be perfect!” she said matter-of-factly.

She shares that there are no poultry farms in their area. They had to buy eggs from Pagadian City or Pitogo for a much higher price at 10-11 pesos a piece. Afterall, eggs are an important commodity for residents of Sugbay Uno. Once production starts, they will be able to sell eggs to fellow members and neighbors.

January 20, 2023 was a great day for the women of Sugbay Uno. Through the local government unit of Dimataling Municipality as Accredited Co-Partner, the community bore witness as raw materials and equipment were turned over to the association. DOLE ZDSFO staff also conducted an orientation on occupational safety and health coupled with a learning session on financial literacy.

The grant was worth 250,000.00 pesos funded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). The program seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers through promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

Situated in an area away from residential houses, the group managed to set up the project and hired a farm hand.

“For now, we only hired 1 worker. As soon as the project becomes bigger, we are looking to hire more workers,” Marivic said, positive about the prospects.

As with any new venture, challenges will always arise.

True enough, Marivic admits that the association has encountered challenges in managing its own members. Thus, she ensures that issues and concerns are addressed in regular meetings.

“I am looking forward to this project becoming a business enterprise in the future. In this way, the women of Sugbay Uno will live a comfortable life instead of being idle,” she explains.

“We are very thankful to DOLE for granting us the assistance, for recognizing us as one of the active women associations. We now have a livelihood project that may improve the lives of unemployed women in our barangay,” Marivic happily shares. END