Foundation grants livelihood projects to 2 upland communities in Cebu City

Thursday, February 9, 2012

TWO upland communities in Cebu City now have the opportunity to earn additional livelihood income and to grow as an organization following the turnover of projects granted to them by the Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

The projects—Umahan sa Katawhan and bee farm garden—were made open to the public in separate turnover ceremonies in Barangays Guba and Pung-ol Sibugay last December.

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The bee farm, operated under the chairmanship of Wedeliza Gabisay of Pung-ol Sibugay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, was opened to complement the cutflower production in the area.

Among the activities being done at the bee farm are honey, pollen and colony production, and queen-rearing. These initiatives are undertaken to also help develop the area as a tourist destination in the city.

The Umahan sa Katawhan, meanwhile, was granted to a group, Kabameka, for being an active organization in Guba and for being the foundation’s partner in enterprise development since 1995.

Kabameka’s area is approximately 1.5 hectares, with vegetables and herbs planted on it. Part of the area is also a livestock section for goats, native chickens and ducks.

The Umahan sa Katawhan aims to help more community members to have access to organic farming, and provide them with additional source of income and easy access to
nutritional foods.

During the separate ceremonies held for the two projects, Guba Barangay Captain Renerio Limotan and Gabisay of the Pung-ol Sibugay Multi-purpose Cooperative were grateful to the foundation for choosing them as beneficiaries.

The events were graced by officers and members of the respective organizations, and officials of the barangays and Aboitiz Foundation managers Danny Cerence and Rowena Astillo.

These are implemented under the Aboitiz Business Assistance and Guidance program, or the enterprise development component of the foundation, which focuses on the development and enhancement of each partner organization by providing different grants and trainings.