MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Noting all the milestones attained during the period of its operation, the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) is eager to maintain and continue the positive outcomes begotten by the livelihood component of its Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP).

CFSI Livelihood Officer Saidamer Mangontra reported earlier that as of February 20, 2023, 3,366 households, or 84% of the targeted 4,000 households, had been reached by the livelihood component.

He detailed that through their efforts, 600 families benefited from community-based support for livelihoods, and 226 were locally stranded and were given materials and/or financial support for fit-for-purpose livelihood activities. Meanwhile, 3,540 individuals have participated in the livelihood training on business management and adaptation.

Mangontra said they have also conducted training on basic entrepreneurship and management of small businesses, which was attended by vulnerable people in covered areas.

He said that through this activity, participants were encouraged to be consistent with their bookkeeping and save more for business expansion.

Mangontra said they also conducted were training on dressmaking and cookery, which was in partnership with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center, and the provision of seeds from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG).

He said they have successfully handed over community-based support for livelihood to intended town beneficiaries such as the municipalities of Butig, Piagapo, Masiu, Lumbayanague, Ditsa-an Ramain, and Marantao.

Mangontra disclosed that to make their planned activities successful, they have maintained productive collaborations with their partners, such as the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and other government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

As a result of their hard work, he then revealed that most of the livelihoods they provided were able to survive, thrive, adapt, and continue to exist amidst the challenges caused by the pandemic.

To realize their desire of sustaining the gains of their project, Mangontra proposed mechanisms such as strengthening the capacity of project committees and formulating operations and maintenance manuals, updating and reactivating existing cooperatives that were recognized as beneficial, and maintaining the collaboration with key partners to continuously conduct activities that bring advantages and benefit to communities.

Now, the CFSI looks forward to the recipients of its livelihood assistance being able to keep on recovering from the negative impacts of the global health crisis. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)