On August 18, 2015, 82 Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) beneficiaries from Barangay Koronadal Proper completed five months of community-based enterprise trainings on home décor and garment making; catering and food processing; rice and corn production and equipment rental; and banana processing. 

Formed in 2012, PLEDGE provides business training, market linkages, and business tools and equipment as a means to promote local economic development and create livelihood in 11 conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. 

Of the 11 selected communities, Koronadal Proper serves as the program’s frontrunner, while the remaining 10 sites are currently at the procurement and planning phases. Among Barangay Koronadal Proper’s four enterprise projects, banana processing under the Salam Care Group Association—a People’s Organization comprised mainly of Muslim housewives—is reaping promising gains as their banana chips, banana fries, banana cakes, and banana vinegar have established steady patronage in neighboring sari-sari stores, the Pablo Valencia National High School, and a Pasalubong Center (gift shop) in Polomok.