While most are advised to stay at home during the Enhanced Community Quarantine due to the health threat of COVID-19, some Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 chose to leave the comfort of their homes to render services to their communities.
SLPAs sew PPE for frontliners
The Mananahi ng Banna SLPA from Banna, Ilocos Norte was contracted by the Local Government Unit to produce 200 sets per day of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which include disposable isolation and protective gowns, washable face masks, and face shield for the town’s frontliners. In 2017, the Association underwent Skills Training on Dressmaking leading to T-shirt Making and received a Seed Capital Fund (SCF) amounting to PhP588,000.00 from the DSWD Field Office 1 through SLP.
We can be frontliners, too.
Meanwhile, in Ilocos Sur, members of the Sahaya Daclapan SLPA from Cabugao town volunteered as barangay frontliners by assisting the barangay officials in delivering relief goods to the households through the free use of the Association’s kurung-kurung, a type of tricycle. Delivery is free of charge and gas expense is taken out from the Association’s savings. The Association sought assistance from the Department last year and was granted SCF amounting to PhP450,000.00 for its deep-sea fishing business.
The Caoayan Pantawid Catering Services SLPA in Caoayan town was also tapped by the LGU as food supplier for the town’s frontliners. Labor cost and delivery fee are also waived.
“Ti ayatmi a tumulong ket dakdakkel kumpara iti butengmi. No laketdi mabalin ken kayami pay laeng ti kasapulan ken kayami pay laeng ti tulong ket saan kami nga agdudua a mangipaay ti serbisyomi (Our willingness to help is bigger than our fear. As long as we are permitted and are still able to help, we will not have second thoughts in extending our services),” said Association President Gina Barientos. In 2016, the Association underwent Skills Training on Catering Services and received starter kits from the Department.
As safety measures, the Associations strictly observe social distancing, practice personal hygiene, and follow other government protocols. (by: Janine Joy B. Altero, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)
