Livelihood Programs Poured in Marawi

Aboitiz Foundation launched here today a number of sustainable livelihood programs dubbed “Kawiyagan-Biyaya ng Pagbabago,” a series of sustainable livelihood initiatives for the residents of Sagonsongan Transitory Site.

The program which is expected to complement government efforts to help the Lanao del Sur capital get back on its feet includes Agri micro-entrepreneurship program for corn farmers, construction of bakeries and donation of baking equipment with capability-building trainings, donation of hollow-block making kits and sacks of cements to help rebuild structures, and donation of electrical equipment to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) to help restore power service to Marawi City.

The formal launching of livelihood programs was graced by Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson and Housing and Urban Development (HUDCC) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Chief Operating Officer Sabin Aboitiz and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra.

“We are very honored to be one of those who has been there from the start, contributing what we can in the first steps of rehabilitating Marawi and helping Maranaos get back on their feet,” said Aboitiz.

Since last year, the Aboitiz Group has spent almost 26 million pesos for the displaced families of Marawi.

Photo Caption: Ceremonial turnover of one of the three bakeries inside Sagonsongan Transitory Site (Photo: James Umaran/PIA ICCC)

Each bakery kit contains a steel oven, bread racks, working table, dough roller, display shelf, delivery bicycle, and an initial supply of Pilmico Halal flour which was supplemented by bakery training that would help beneficiaries sustain enterprise.

IDP Farmers and Aboitiz partnership

Aboitiz also forged a partnership with non-stock non-profit Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship’s GoNegosyo to mentor some 200 Maranao yellow corn producing farmers and link them up to potential buyers.

Pilmico and Aboitiz Foundation, together with GoNegosyo and TFBM, rolled out a three-year micro-entrepreneurship partnership program for Marawi IDPs in Balo-i resettlement area.

To date, the program has conducted several trainings including entrepreneurial mind-setting, values formation, marketing management, basic canvas model, basic accounting, financial management, and basic cooperative management.

Rebuilding Support

Meanwhile, Aboitiz Infrastructure unit Republic Cement launched “Mindanao,” a new line of cement to help ensure that supply is ready for the incoming construction requirements to rebuild Marawi. “Mindanao” is a blended cement type 1P conforming to Philippine National Standards, exclusively manufactured for “Bangon Marawi” efforts.

Photo Caption: Aboitiz awards a plaque of recognition to Marawi-Balo-i farmers’ association (Photo by James Umaran/PIA ICCC)

“The development of Mindanao coincides with our thrust for nation-building. Our objective is to build stronger homes and stronger structures for stronger Marawi,” Republic Cement Services, Incorporated President Nabil Francis noted.

The company donated hollow-block making kits for four cooperatives and have pledged 1,000 bags of Mindanao cement for the rebuilding of structures within Marawi.

More Power to Marawi

AboitizPower Distribution unit Davao Light and Power Corporation (Davao Light) also turned over nearly 1.9 million pesos worth of electrical equipment, power cables, and concrete poles to LASURECO during the sustainable livelihood program launch.

This new set of donation compliments the combined 3.7 million worth of electrical supplies donation made by Davao Light and Cotabato Light to the same beneficiary last February to help fastrack power restoration in Marawi.

Secretary del Rosario commended Aboitiz Group for its initiatives.

“We are stronger when government and private sectors combine. Indeed, such partnership for change and commitment to help is most welcome in President Duterte’s Biyaya ng Pagbabago for a better Marawi,” said del Rosario. (WLBacelonia/PIA-ICCC)