To adapt to the new normal and expand their current market, Bani Delicious Ice Cream Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) maximized social media platforms and online payment methods.
The said association is an all-male SLPA at Bayambang, Pangasinan organized in April 2018. They are composed of 17 members who are all residents of Barangay Bani which is now known as the home of Bayambang’s finest ice cream.
As the pandemic continues to affect many livelihoods in their area, Bani Delicious Ice Cream SLPA thought of upgrading their services online not just to promote their products but to accept payments as well. Getting inspiration from current trends on the booming e-commerce industry, they even accept Cash on Delivery (COD).
“Malaking tulong ito sa amin kasi bukod sa dagdag itong kita, madali pa ang transaksyon (This is a big help because aside from extra income, the transaction is very easy),“ said Bani Delicious Ice Cream SLPA President Fernando Versales.
“May mga customer na nga kami umaabot hanggang Manila na umoorder para sa mga kamag-anak nila rito, pang surprise nila o regalo sa birthdays (Customers reached are as far as Manila who get orders for their relatives here as a surprise or a gift for birthdays),” added Fernando.
This innovation in their services is a suggestion from their children who have always been supportive of their association.
“Malaking tulong ang FB page nila lalo noong kasagsagan ng lockdown sapagkat hindi nakakapag-rolling ang mga miyembro. Kinokontak na lang sila ng kanilang mga suki sa page (The FB page is really a great help especially during the lockdown since the members cannot go outside to sell. Their customers would just contact them through the page),“ said Rose Ann Versales.
Supporting their Children’s Schooling
Rose Ann finished her degree in Education with the help of her father’s income from the said SLPA. Now, she is a public school teacher at their community and has been helping her family to finance the education of her siblings.
Fernando shared that as early as 14 years old, their children are already being taught of making ice cream not just to know the ropes but to learn its importance in providing the needs of their family particularly in supporting their schooling.
On brotherhood
Being one of the few all-male SLPA in region 1, Fernando shared their secret recipe for a successful association.
“Ang kagandahan dito sa asosasyon namin na all-male, madali kaming nagkakapalagayan ng loob. Pare-pareho kami ng gustong mangyari kaya madali rin ang pagdedesisyon (The good thing about being an all-male association is that we are comfortable with each other. We have common goals which makes it easier for us on making decisions),” explained Fernando.
Through the continuous support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1, Bani Delicious Ice Cream SLPA signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 last 21 May 2021 as a beneficiary of its Grant in Aid Community-Based Project Program. The said program aims to improve and sustain their livelihood using Information and Communication Technology and capability building activities. (by: Radz Bismonte, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)
