City Hall helps Brgy Kasambagan's waste-to-money livelihood program

CEBU, Philippines - The officials of barangay Kasambagan wants to follow the innovative project in barangay Luz wherein waste materials are used for livelihood projects, so the Cebu City Government would assist them by giving four sewing machines.

Councilor Nida Cabrera, who chairs the City Council committee on environment, said the program will not only help alleviate the living conditions of the people of barangay Kasambagan, it will also make products out of wastes.

It was Cabrera who initiated the livelihood project in barangay Luz while she was still the barangay captain. This earned the barangay an award from Malacañang and some other government offices.

She said the officials of Kasambagan headed by barangay captain Jose Lim Jr. want to produce products like bags and rugs.

Mayor Michael Rama agreed for the City to spend P32,000 for the purchase of four sewing machines. The amount will be taken from the City’s share of the income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

“In addition to bags making using waste materials, we also plan to have a production of RTWs, rugs and other products that will enhance those who have skills in sewing,” the barangay officials said in a resolution sent to the mayor.

Rama is encouraging other barangays to follow the steps of barangay Luz, wherein waste materials from plastic juice were made into bags and coin purse.

They got some of their materials, like the plastic packs of juice drinks, from the cemetery in Cabantan Street, barangay Luz.

“Daghan kaayong packs sa juice sa menteryo matag Dominggo kay panahon man ni nga daghan ang ilubong unya ang sagad snack juice man mao nga amo na lang usab nga gipahimuslan,” said a resident of barangay Luz. (There are lots of plastic packs at the cemetery during Sundays because juice is the usual snack distributed.) (FREEMAN)