by Ivyrose Igup, Ma. Lyn Belgira, and Mica Tapel | November 03, 2021
Beneficiaries of LRB-APOAMF’s Women Livelihood Recovery Program say that the additional funding provided the much-needed support to keep their small businesses afloat.
This was indeed the case for Liena Bartolata, a 41-year old fruit vendor within the community. She said that the program not only helped her increase the number of fruits she can sell, but also allowed her to start saving.
Bartolata observed having less buyers as the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Like many other small businesses run by women within the community, she began to struggle in keeping her business alive to sustain her family’s needs.
LRB-APOAMF launched the Women Livelihood Recovery Program last November 2020, in partnership with the women-led international network Huairou Commission and the non-government organization Community Organizers Multiversity (COM).
According to the chairperson of LRB-APOAMF’s Livelihood Committee Luzviminda Villaraza, the program has an interest rate of 2%. It also aims to provide women with the jumpstart they need to be able to save money, in order to be more prepared to face uncertainties brought by the pandemic.
APOAMF continues to accept beneficiaries for the Women Livelihood Recovery Program.
- Report by Ivy Igup, Ma. Lyn Belgira, Mica Tapel
UPWARD UP is spearheaded by academics from the Ateneo de Manila University, De la Salle University, and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven for the Alliance of People’s Organizations along the Manggahan Floodways. (english version)
