BAYABAS, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program, recently evaluated  the business performance of its beneficiary association, the Magobawok Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA).

Magobawok SLPA, a women’s organization in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, started its micro lending in 2019 with a capital of P550,000 from the DSWD.

DSWD–SLP development officer Janine Lucille M. Bautista disclosed the positive result of the project monitoring to the group, stating, “Our assessment showed that Magobawok SLPA is on the right business track as its microlending gained a total accumulated income of P876, 293 from its initial capital provided by the government.”

From 2020 to 2021, the group was able to receive an annual share or dividends  amounting to P115,801. 

Ailyn Café, president of Magobawok SLPA and, at the same time, a teacher at Magobawok Day Care Center, took pride in the successful business journey of the women’s organization.

Just like anyone new in business, the association encountered challenges, including negative gossip and criticisms, when they started the business.

“Di magmalahutayon kay puro babae, og sa sinugdanan lang mayo [Since the group is made of women, they are only good in the beginning, and this will not prosper],” Café recalled.

“In order for our business to thrive, we made our services significant to the community. We started to help the residents of the barangay first and aided their livelihood,” the chairperson shared.  

Magobawok Punong Barangay Catalino Bandola,  who availed of the lending services of  Magobawok, expressed his appreciation to the group for being a positive catalyst for the community.

“Most of the locals in our place are into fishing, and they sought assistance from Magobawok SLPA to buy better fishing gear to improve their livelihood,” Bandola said.

The organization also provided employment to the community as it hired personnel for the operation of its business.

To sustain its relevance, the group made sure that it actively participated in all barangay activities such as clean-up drives, tree planting, and fun runs, among others. 

With commendation and a positive rating from DSWD, the association is more motivated to expand its services to better help the community, as it recently announced its newest business venture, rice trading. (NGBP/PIA-Surigao del Sur)