LGU-CamSur aids vulnerable sectors in Buhi through livelihood

By Charen Vera

“Ngunyan po kaya dipisil po an hanapbuhay, maluyahon po an paghanap income. Mayo man po akong ibang pinagkukuanan kundi an pag-manicure saka pedicure,” said Guia Machado of Barangay Cabatuan, Buhi.

Machado is a 35-year-old mother of two and is a member of the Women and Solo Parents Association in their community. Having nobody else to rely on but herself in rearing her sons, she worked hard every day trying to make ends meet. Working as a manicurist, Machado related that it scarcely pays enough for her to be able to support her family’s needs. This is why receiving assistance from the government is extremely helpful, not only for her, but also for the other women and solo parents in their community.

Through the request made by Barangay Councilor Maria Cababay on behalf of the organization to Governor Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur donated six sewing machines to the Women, Solo Parents, and Persons with Disability (PWD) Association of Barangay Cabatuan, Buhi on March 5, 2021.

According to Cababay, when the pandemic hit the country and the enhanced community quarantine was implemented, many of the locals lost their jobs and their sole source of family income. Being the committee chair of the Women, Solo Parent, PWD, Children, and Family Association, she took the initiative to request for livelihood assistance from Governor Migz.

“Haloy mi na pong minawot na magka-livelihood program, mas lalo na po kan magkapandemic ta nadipisilan po talaga an gabos. Dakulaon po an pasasalamat mi ki Governor Migz sa asistensiya sa samong barangay. Talaga pong makakatabang ining maray sa samong asosasyon,” explained Cababay.

The association will use the donated sewing machines to make recycled sack bags, curtains, pillowcases, and kids clothing which they will sell. They would also consider accepting made-to-order projects once they become more skilled in sewing. The proceeds will be given to the working members as their income. They will also allot a percentage from the profit and put it on the association’s account which will be utilized for their programs and activities.

Evelyn Alumbro, president of the PWD in their community, was looking forward to this livelihood assistance by the provincial government. She said that while their members are hardworking and reliable, many of them experience difficulties in taking heavy jobs.

Machado and Alumbro were only a few of the many members of their association who will benefit from the sewing machines. Alumbro emphasized that this livelihood will help elevate the spirits and morale of their member. As for Machado, not only will she have another source of income, she will also gain new skill which will hopefully help her provide better for her kids.

Almost one year since the entire Luzon was put under ECQ following the threat of COVID-19, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur remains untiring in providing assistance to its constituents in order to help ease the economic effects of the pandemic. The women, solo parents, and PWD of Cabatuan express their sincere gratitude to the provincial government for having remembered them in this trying times and for being provided with the assistance that will surely help them in their day-to-day living.