ANOTHER livelihood program of organic soap making was initiated by the government to help a group of Aetas living around the Clark Freeport.
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Pampanga, recently awarded essential livelihood materials to selected Aeta members from nearby communities of the Freeport.
With their mission to provide and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities, DTI granted P8,000 worth of necessary materials and ingredients for a soap making business to 10 selected Aeta beneficiaries who are dubbed as "soap smiths."
CDC assured that it will support the project by providing an area for the soap production activity, transportation during the scheduled undertakings, meals, and even identification cards for the beneficiaries.
The presentation of the soap-making livelihood business package to the recipients was conducted through a simple ceremony held at the Clark Skills and Training Center.
The activity was led by CDC Chairman Jose De Jesus, CDC President Noel Manankil, CDC Director Nestor Villaroman Jr., CDC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Rommel Narciso and DTI Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio.
Through the program, the 10 designated soap smiths will produce soaps in different shapes and scents from the natural ingredients that can be grown and found in their localities. They will also be organized into a formal group to ensure the continuity of the project.
The CDC, in collaboration with DTI, envisions that this project will foster a spirit of entrepreneurship for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This will also usher in more opportunities to meet the supply and demand needs of locators in this Freeport.
Last February, 50 Aeta trainees completed a soap-making training program, which was initiated by CDC and supported by DTI, while personnel from Natural Verde -- a maker of natural handmade soaps and shampoo bars -- facilitated the training proper.
During the said undertaking, trainees were taught how to make soaps out of natural elements such as turmeric, oatmeal, malunggay, and guava, among others. (With Charlene Cayabyab)