Residents of Purok 13, Brgy. Manay in Panabo City have launched their vermicomposting project last July 3, 2011.
Through the Barangay Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (BLEND) Program, a pet project of Margie Moran-Floirendo, the vermicomposting facility was launched and turned over to the said barangay as their livelihood project.
“To help curb the unemployment problem in provinces throughout the country, there is a need to instigate livelihood programs that will provide opportunities for local communities and their residents to engage in different economic activities that will secure and augment their family income,” said Moran-Floirendo.
She remarked that the project is not only designed to provide service but also to empower and motivate local communities to take pride in their work and to be self-reliant.
To prepare them in their livelihood project, the residents of Brgy. Manay were also given an opportunity to join a livelihood seminar and training.
With the guidance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which is one of the partners for this program, the residents were given free hand to plan for their project on their own so they, themselves, will lay on the table their resources and constraints.
“Seeing the desperate situation many of our brothers and sisters have encountered in making ends meet including sending their children to school, it moved us to help arrange livelihood projects for them with the goal that these people will be able to raise their standard of living. I am really glad that this has materialized with Brgy. Manay,” Moran-Floirendo added.
After Brgy. Manay, three barangays namely New Visayas, Sindaton and Lower Panaga will also start their vermicomposting project through a soft loan from LGU-Panabo Budget.
Moran-Floirendo, who sits as the Vice Chairman of Panabo City Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Council, has tied up with Tagum Agricultural Development Company (TADECO), the DTI and the Department of Agriculture (DA), in realizing this livelihood project.
The event drew the participation of BLEND Consultant Nenita Nazareno, Engr. Vidastito Galvez of DTI, Engr. Godofredo Berdon of DA, Romh delos Reyes of TADECO, Brgy. Manay Council headed by its chairman Rolito Alcazarin, Brgy. Manay Vermicomposting team headed by Delia Estimada, and Valentin Daquio Elementary School Principal Marjorie Valdestamon. The Vermicomposting team from barangays Lower Panaga, New Visayas and Sindaton also graced the event. [ANFLOCOR/ Cyrielle P. Naig]
