Saturday, April 19, 2008 One Barangay One Product launched By Mark D. Francisco
CAGAYAN de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) and Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez launched Thursday its own One Barangay One Product (Obop) concept.
Five barangays in the western part of Cagayan de Oro City are initially earmarked for the project -- Agusan, Cugman, Puerto, Nazareth and Puntod.
Only non-working mothers and daughters who are residents in the barangay with a maximum income of P50,000 a year are allowed to participate in the said project.
"This is really for the underprivileged women," quipped Rodriguez, who provided P1.1 million for the three-year duration of the project with P200,000 to be released on its first year.
The Oro Chamber has its own counterpart of P2 million both in cash and in kind to help run the project.
About 50 housewives from the five barangays have already expressed interest in joining the livelihood-earning project.
The barangay women development council will assist the beneficiaries in each village.
Barangay leaders have already identified specific products to be developed in their respective villages.
Being a seaside barangay, Agusan has its processed Spanish sardines, Cugman will have its coconut candy pastillas, Puerto will have its pineapple jam (what with its proximity to processed pineapple giant Del Monte Philippines Incorporation), Nazareth will have assorted processed food, and Puntod will have its carrot soap cream, foil bags, pillows, curtains and slippers.
The objectives of the project are to introduce viable business opportunities for women, conduct skills training on entrepreneurship, and conduct fund matching.
To maximize the capabilities of the women in livelihood skills, there will be stakeholders and finance fora.
