Tacloban sari-sari stores back in business

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines -– In the middle of a tent community, Analyn Jamora’s store stands out, her merchandise hanging on a colorful stall.

From a mere table that served as her makeshift stall, the new and painted kiosk now gives her a sense of pride and security for her merchandise, months after the city was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

At the nearby Palo Public Market, Gemma Cajodo tends a store owned by her cousin that was also  previously destroyed by Yolanda.

“It’s a good thing we were able to stand once again,” Cajodo told visiting Manila-based journalists.

Jamora and Cajodo are among the beneficiaries of “Project Hope Stores” a project of Procter & Gamble Philippines to rebuild and restock sari-sari stores in Yolanda-devastated areas.

P&G country communications leader Clint Navales said they believe sari-sari storeowners have the least victim mindset after a tragedy.

“The spirit of entrepreneurship is what’s pushing them to get back on their feet,” he said.

“The sari-sari store owners would be one of the prime movers of rebuilding.”

Navales said the kiosks were to help storeowners make their merchandise more presentable.

At least 861 stores were rebuilt by the end of December 2013 at the cost of around P8 million under the first two phases of the project.

Navales said the third phase of the project would cost more than P20 million and cover more than 1,000 stores in Samar and Leyte.

The project covers 3,000 stores across northern Cebu, Tac-
loban City, Ormoc City, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan.

P&G said these store owners could be considered community heroes as they help in recovery efforts by breaking the dependence on relief, jumpstarting the economy and restoring a sense of control among community members.