4Ps Women Beneficiaries in Bauang, La Union attended the Entrepreneurial Mind Setting conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 1 as part of celebrating the National Women’s Month.
Ms. Shenna O. Nisperos, Negosyo Center Program Coordinator of DTI Regional Office 1 (top picture), articulated the steps in starting and growing a business and presented a Facebook page for business ideas. The 4Ps women beneficiaries also appreciated the importance of crafting their own business, technical, and organizational plans.
On the side, DTI Regional Office 1 put up a fast lane for Business Name Application. Four of the participants received their Business Name Certificate. Also, a business list for which the participants can choose from was provided. DTI Regional Office 1 also assured the participants of giving assistance in availing financial assistance and raw materials that they can utilize to start their own business.
“Kapag magsisipag ako, lalago pa ang aking business. Para makapag-ipon at makapag-aral ang aking dalawang anak. Isa sa mga natutuhan ko rito ay iyong Self-Analysis. Kailangang mag-isip ng iba pang maibebenta para madagdagan ang aking kita (If I strive more, my business will grow. Through that, I will earn and save money for the education of my two children. One of my learnings here is Self-Analysis. There is a need to think of other items to sell to increase my income),” shared Mary Ann Ringor, 33, from Brgy Sta. Monica (middle picture).
Mary Ann runs a small variety store for three years before she left for United Arab Emirates to work as a Domestic Helper in November 2019. While abroad, her husband managed the store. “Habang ako ay nagtatrabaho sa abroad, sinasabayan ko ng online selling para madagdagan ang aking kita at hindi magalaw ang aking sahod. Kaya nakauwi ako noong January 2022 at dito ko na itinuloy ang aking online business (While I was working abroad, I also did online selling to augment my income and save my salary. That helped me come home last January 2022 the I continued my online business here),” Mary Ann proudly said.
Meanwhile, Rita Caluza, 47, from Brgy. Baccuit Norte (bottom picture) emotionally shared but gratefully shared that her eldest son graduated Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Machine Shop. Rita narrated, “Nagtitinda at nagluluto ako ng kakanin. Tumatanggap din ako ng labada, nagmamasahe, at nagbubunot ng palay. Lahat ng trabaho ginagawa ko, kasi walang permanenteng trabaho ang asawa ko. Kaya talagang ako ang naghahanap-buhay kadalasan para sa aking pamilya. Umutang pa ako sa lending para makapag-enroll ang anak ko. Minsan nga wala siyang baon. Nanghihingi lang siya ng bente at kanin. Ipinangako ng anak kong makakapagtapos siya. At nagawa niya (I sell and cook native delicacies. I also accept laundry, offer massage service, and uprooting rice seed. I did all jobs because my husband has no permanent work. I am the breadwinner. I even borrowed money from a lending company to get my son enrolled. Sometimes, he does not have allowance. He only asks for Php20.00 and cooked rice. My son promised me that he will graduate and he did).”
Municipal Mayor Menchie De Guzman said, “This is a milestone. This is a way of empowering women. I believe that this activity will leave a mark. Sustain that mark. While sustaining that mark, you get inspired and empowered. We can make our own history. We find our purpose and empower ourselves. We celebrate Women’s Month every day in our lives because we never get tired of performing our roles as women and mothers.”
DSWD Field Office 1 – 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator Rosalyn L. Descallar saluted the women beneficiaries for sustaining the light they bring in their homes despite many challenges. She added, “There is no forever in 4Ps but being a mother is forever, and that we should be proud of.” (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)
