GASAN, MARINDUQUE— To earn additional income for the daily needs of their families, members of the Sama-sama tayo Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) slowly starts their sewing services amid the implementation of strict health measures and protocols following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

During the Diskwento Caravan 2020 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Marinduque held last July 16, 2020 at Brgy. Tiguion, Gasan, Marinduque, the association got the chance to exhibit their first output of curtains, pillowcases and facemasks. Eventually, the curtains and pillowcases were all sold out. This activity also serves as their first product marketing which helped their marketing and product knowledge among people in their area.

The association just finished making a job order for 200 pieces of facemasks. This was contracted by a private individual with the agreement of the provision of cut fabric (patterned for facemask) and thread. Sama-sama Tayo SLPA will be paid PhP 7.00 per facemask for their labor services. To meet the demand of the market and adapt to the changing trend of facemask design and style, the association continually enhances the quality of their output.

The association gradually gathers customers with the combined efforts of the members. The production center of the association is located at Riverside, Tiguion, Gasan, Marinduque. From every sale they earn, they make sure that they keep a portion for the maintenance of the machines and an emergency fund of the association.

SLP is a capability-building program for poor, vulnerable and marginalized households and communities to improve their socio-economic conditions through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihoods.

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