Entrepreneurial moms get grants

MANILA, Philippines –  Globe Telecom awarded livelihood grants to two outstanding Bangko Kabayan microfinance centers composed of entrepreneurial housewives in line with the Globe Enterprise Development Program (EDP) to help spur economic development at the grassroots. The awarding coincided with the 10th year anniversary of Bangko Kabayan, a leading rural bank based in Batangas province.

KAPITAN Macalamcam B2 topped the list of 15 applicants, followed by KAPITAN Bayanan 3.  The two centers received P30,000 and P20,000, respectively, to help them expand their businesses.  KAPITAN stands for Kapisanan ng mga Ilaw ng Tahanan.

“It is inspiring that small community enterprises of Bangko Kabayan have exemplified how small business programs can support economic self-sufficiency in their own communities

They have empowered their members to contribute to the welfare of their own families and their immediate communities.  Globe is proud to be part of the success of the micro-entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary technology and funding support to sustain their initiatives,” said Jeffrey Tarayao, Globe head of corporate social responsibility.

Aside from Bigasan Center and chair rental services, Macalamcam B2 located in Macalamcam B, Rosario, Batangas, plans to use the funds to branch out into meat processing and retailing.  The center has 23 members.

Grace Vergara, Macalamcam B2 president, outlined the group’s plans for expansion into meat processing. She said they will use the grant to buy a meat grinder, salter, weighing scale and other equipment to make products like tocino, longganisa, patties, embotido and siomai.

On the other hand, Bayanan 3 based in Bayanan, San Pascual, Batangas, looks forward to getting additional funding for its home care products business such as dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner, and powder detergent. Bayanan 3 is composed of 17 housewives.

“Ang aming home care products ang paglalaanan ng pondong ito. Ang mga produktong ito ay laging kailangan kaya dapat naming tangkilikin ang aming sariling produkto at ipakilala sa iba (The fund will help grow our product lines. These products are household necessities, so we should patronize our own products and make them known to others),” said Aurea Abdala, Bayanan 3 President.

The Globe BridgeCom livelihood grant was offered to all KAPITAN Centers which are Bangko Kabayan microfinance groups. The criteria for the selection include the financial viability of the project (40%), community benefit (40%), and innovation (20%).

Globe introduced the livelihood grant in 2009 to help sustain and expand community enterprises.