Posted on by Jean Connery Ceralde

“Not only have you provided us with capital, but you’ve also infused us with hope.” These heartfelt words resonated from Alice Mendoza, the association’s president, encapsulating the essence of their journey.

Heal Tea Shine Barcenaga SLPA primarily comprises 17 Pantawid active and graduate beneficiaries, whose household incomes typically range from low to average. Engaged predominantly in farming, they cultivate the vast farmlands of the Barcenaga community from the municipality of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, renowned for its suitability for rice, vegetables, and high-value crops cultivation. Mindful of their members’ skills and interests, they envisioned a transformation of locally sourced goods into high-value commodities.

As a prerequisite, they underwent a series of capacity-building trainings and exercises aimed at providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the association and undertake the project. They received a seed capital of Php255,000.00 for their Ginger Tea production, granted on August 22, 2023.

Responding to members’ health needs and local preferences, they conceived the idea of crafting handmade ginger tea, leveraging their shared fondness for salabat. Recognizing the widespread appetite for spicy cuisine in Naujenos and neighboring areas, they seized the opportunity to produce chili garlic.
Additionally, they tapped into the enduring popularity of peanut butter as a versatile snack, providing an additional revenue stream for the association.
Before the establishment of their association, majority of its members were homemakers, responsible for household chores while their spouses provided the family’s income. However, with the association in operation, members now earn 500 pesos per production cycle.
Furthermore, they generate additional income by selling their products. Their customers primarily consist of schools, government offices, and retail outlets in the municipality. They also seized opportunities to participate in trade fairs and utilized social media to introduce their products to a wider market.
While facing the common challenges of any association, such as operational hurdles and defining roles, they remained committed to their core mission: supporting their association and creating products that benefit the community.
Looking ahead, they plan to collaborate with government offices to enhance their product labels and packaging, as well as to access additional skills training for the association.

Jennifer Dalisay, their Treasurer, describes the association and its products as more than just items for sale; they are tangible reflections of their collective identity and talents. It serves as an empowering platform where they can proudly showcase their expertise and skills that are often left behind amidst the demanding roles of motherhood and parenting. Each product is meticulously crafted with an infusion of love and dedication, embodying their profound passion for their craft.

Moreover, their weekly production has evolved beyond mere work; it has transformed into a cherished bonding experience where they create goods and share personal and family matters, exchange ideas, and strategize solutions together. Through this, the association becomes a beacon of hope, affirming that despite their age and the hurdles of motherhood and parenting, they can continue nurturing their passions and refining their skills, enriching their lives and association.

Each Sibol story is a tale of hope for every ordinary citizen who has been assisted by the program and has succeeded in their chosen field. This also shows the program’s effectiveness in its aim to assist the marginalized sectors of society, enabling them to become resilient. Hope will sprout from the seed of assistance, continually growing and advancing towards the envisioned life.

Contributor: Ervin Jeff R. Labao, SLP Oriental Mindoro Project Development Officer

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