PLEDGE Graduation Ceremony, Mamaanun, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, March 11, 2016
On March 11, 2016, 103 PLEDGE beneficiaries completed four enterprise trainings in Mamaanun, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.
PLEDGE, the livelihood component of the Mindanao Trust Fund, helps beneficiaries build businesses through the provision of equipment, facilitation of trainings, and formation of linkages with outside markets. These are provided to help farming and fishing communities increase their income and provide employment.
In Mamaanun, the 1,098 residents rely solely on farming as their main source of livelihood. After 2014, the community reported at least a 15 percent income increase due to the MTF-funded 4-kilometer tire path under the CDD/CDR program. Farmers, who used to trek a day on foot, are now able to sell their fresh produce at competitive rates because of reduced traveling time to Marawi City.
With the PLEDGE enterprises of Cassava Production, Dressmaking, Rice and Corn Farm Equipment Rental, and Goat Fattening, Mamaanun is looking forward to augmenting their income at a time when harvest yields have dipped due to the El Nino.
Of the four PLEDGE enterprises, Cassava Chips Production and Dressmaking are slowly reaping gains. The 35-member cassava business group reported a gross income of PhP 13,000, which they continue to roll as they regularly supply products to the local elementary and high schools and the barangay health center.
The Dressmaking Enterprise, on the other hand, has generated nearly PhP 22,000 since it started operations in December 2015. The 31-member group is composed of housewives who reported increased confidence because they are able to contribute to the family expenses while still being able to care for their children at home. The dressmaking group continues to hone their skills so they will be able to compete with more established seamstresses in Marawi City.
Mamaanun is one of 11 PLEDGE sites. The program, which started in December 2012, has helped form 42 business groups and has trained over 1,178 beneficiaries in local enterprise development. PLEDGE is scheduled to close in October 2016.
