2019 has proven to be a wonderful start for SIFI’s existing and new livelihood beneficiaries. As SIFI geared-up for a new journey in the 1st quarter, this year the Visayas regional office managed to conduct three trainings within the month of April and May under the supervision of Ms. Cristina May Poblador, SIFI Livelihood officer.
The first event was entitled Label and Packaging Endorsement, benefiting seven of its existing Agrarian Reform Beneficiary groups. The training was facilitated by Mr. Allan Francis Dara-ug of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bacolod City last April 25, 2019. DOST turned over the labels that they originally developed and made during the consultation meeting that transpired end of 2017, as well as distributed free packaging kits for each group.
For the new batch of livelihood groups, 2 trainings were organized and held for starters. The first one was the Technical and Nursery Planning Workshop for the Peanut Livelihood, as an initial step to strategic preparation. A total of 16 participants from the new beneficiary groups (Hda. Paho Farmworkers Association from Silay and Hda. Candelaria ARC from Manapla) were sent to attend last May 7, 2019. Through the seminar, both groups were able to process and assess their organization and recognize the specific practices that could make the business manageable. This seminar workshop aimed to develop their planning skills by formulating and drafting procedures for better implementation of their peanut business.
The second event organized for the Hda. Bakery Business was the Basic Bread Making Skills Training given to 5 ARB groups last May 22-24, 2019 at the SIMAG Training Center, E.B. Magalona. SIMAG Foundation Resource Speaker Ms. Marlyn Villanueva and Demonstrator Mr. Calixto Paculdo assisted the beneficiaries coming from Brgy. Don Jorge L. Araneta ARC, Brgy. Binubuhan ARB and Farmworkers Association of Bago, ISARFAWA and CUFFA of Pontevedra, and Sta. Rosa Farmworkers Association of Murcia. The 3-day training was successful based on the outcome of their finished products, inspiring the groups to reflect on how they can start and sustain their bakery business.
There will be more upcoming events for the SIFI Livelihood program as it continues to monitor and proceed with various trainings for the ARB beneficiary groups. The continuous progress of the existing businesses can give significant impact and inspiration for the newly-added beneficiary groups.
