Sikap Buhay helps QC residents earn more

Sikap Buhay, a joint undertaking of the Quezon City government and the National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Quezon City Associated Ladies Foundation, has successfully completed the first of a series of livelihood training programs on soap and perfume making for poor residents seeking to earn extra income.

Some 250 residents completed the six-week training program conducted in various parts of the city.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and her daughter Joy, who heads the association of first ladies, distributed the certificates in simple ceremonies held at the City Hall lobby earlier this week.

"This is a new program that will help provide additional income to families," Belmonte said.

Noel Alcantara, Sikap Buhay project officer, said the SM Foundation has promised to help market the soap and perfumes produced by Sikay Buhay graduates.

The Sikap Buhay program enables entrepreneurs in poor communities to avail of collateral-free loans for various businesses. It has already benefited some 3,000 poor Quezon City residents. — Perseus Echeminada