The Philippine Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), recently turned over cash grants to five (5) community associations in three towns for their livelihood projects.
The Philippine Red Cross Catanduanes Chapter has been aiding severely affected communities through its Community Managed Livelihood Program (CMLP) in response to super typhoon Goni (Rolly) in November 2020, along with other recovery operations.
Last July 22, 2022, officials of the recipient community associations and PRC Catanduanes Chapter administrator Reymund Reginaldo signed a memorandum of agreement covering the grants, the first installment of which were released on the same day.
The recipients, their livelihood projects and cash grants are as follows: Pagsangahan Integrated Farmers Association in San Miguel, P194,497.00 for broiler production; Binurong Tourguide Association in Guinsaanan, Baras, P230,846.00 for piggery; Danao Fishermen Association in Baras, P214,791.00 for piggery; Tilis Organic Agriculture Farmers Association in Bato, P136,858.00 for broiler production; and Puraran Surfers Association in Baras, P258,382.25 for a café and surf shop.
“We at the Red Cross always try to help people. We are glad when the people we help really help themselves,” PRC board chairman Gabriel Tejerero said during the turnover ceremony. “We expect the recipients to be like Red Cross volunteers who work without expecting any reward.”
Administrator Reginaldo disclosed that the chapter offered help to many organizations but many did not believe it would be realized.
He advised the five organizations to carefully managed the funds and let the project grow, unlike some of previous recipients whose projects ended in failure.
Municipal agriculture officers from Bato, San Miguel and Baras also vowed to monitor and supervise the piggery and broiler production projects, describing them as a big help to their towns.
On the other hand, the Department of Trade and Industry, through representative Celeste Tribiana, urged the recipient officials not to let the opportunity go to waste and advised them to develop entrepreneurship through skills trainings.
Under the memorandum of agreement, the Red Cross will provide funding for the project’s material and administrative costs as indicated in the organization’s project proposal and assist in the procurement of supplies.
The associations will implement the program of work as approved by the Red Cross, ensure complete liquidation of all procured items, and maintain the project after its completion.