Working together for a common dream.

Less than a year into their business, the members of the United Gasang Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association of Brgy. Gasang in Mabini, Batangas are slowly reaping the results of ‘choosing to stay together.’

Though many may have found trouble in managing a business as a group, their association takes strength in their common dream of helping improve the living conditions of their respective families.

In April 2024, the United Gasang SLP Association, 28 members who are all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries also, opened their community store and small eatery.

According to Maricel Villanueva, the president of the association, since they started this group microenterprise, all of the members contribute towards its success.

Preparation as a group

The microenterprise was proposed by the association to the DSWD in 2023 under the SLP, one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Department that capacitates poor families to engage in income-generating activities through microenterprise development.

As part of the process of the SLP, the group was organized and was provided with various capacity building sessions to equip them with necessary skills to start and manage their chosen business.

Maricel shared that one of the most important lessons imparted to them through the capacity building sessions is financial literacy. According to her, this helped them properly manage their association’s capital and make wise decisions when it comes to investing their profits.

After the completion of various training sessions, the group received their seed capital fund, amounting to Php420,000.00, which they used to start their business.

Managing the business as a family

For the daily operations of their store and eatery, each member takes charge following a set schedule.

“Sinisiguro namin na laging may miyembro na nagbabantay para laging bukas at tuluy-tuloy ang aming operasyon,” shared Maricel.

She added that when one member is unable to render services, others would willingly help.

“Itinuturing naming pamilya ang bawat isa, kaya’t lagi kaming nagtutulungan at nagdadamayan. Ang ibang miyembro ay sumasaklolo upang mapanatili ang operasyon ng negosyo kapag mayroong hindi makakapunta sa duty,” shared Maricel, who deeply appreciates her newfound family in the members of their association.

Four months into the operation of their store and eatery, they were able to distribute dividends to the members.

“Malaking tulong ang naging dibidendo namin, nagamit ko ito pandagdag na puhunan sa aking personal na negosyo,” shared Lucila Matira, one of the members of the association, who received PhP 7,500 dividend last August 2024.

Maricel, meanwhile, shares that she used the dividend to support the school needs of her four children.

After the August 2024 distribution of dividends, they were able to distribute dividends again amounting to PhP 6,500 per member last December 2024.

Moving forward, Maricel, Lucila, and the rest of the United Gasang SLP Association are positive towards expanding their business into a mini grocery store in their barangay.

“Sa aming pagtutulungan, disiplina, at iisang pangarap, hangad namin ang mas matatag na samahan at mas matagumpay na kabuhayan,” shared Maricel, who is very positive about the success of their business.# [with reports from AJLibao]