IPOs in Malapatan receive PHP1 million financial assistance from DENR

By: SRCabildo, PENRO Sarangani

Malapatan, Sarangani - Two women indigenous people’s organizations (POs) in Malapatan, Sarangani Province received a total of one million pesos financial assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The assistance was given two years after the conduct of capacity building activities on BiodiversityFriendly Enterprise (BDFE). The two POs are the Jolohano Women’s Association (PJWA) and Ded Libon de Lasang Association (DLDLA).

The capacity building component of the assistance given to PJWA and DLDA includes enterprise planning and formulation of marketing strategies through the Upscaling of Coastal and Marine Ecosystem program. These POs are both located in Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

The PJWA received PHP429,250.00, to be used for the purchase of additional tents, tables and chairs, and utensils. Since its establishment in 2021, PJWA has engaged in a “rent a tent” enterprise and offer it to different POs and customers in the municipality. Since then, the business has continuously grown, and PJWA aims to further improve its business.

The DLDLA, on the other hand, received PHP509,410.00, to be used for the enhancement of its mat weaving workshop and display center. It has been weaving mats made from locally abundant romblon and buri since 2004. Their products are popular in both the local and international markets. One of its members was awarded the National Living Treasures or the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GaMaBa) in 2016. DLDLA President Judith Bantilan and its members wanted to upscale the production of herbanig through the construction of their Workshop and Display Center. During the ceremonial signing of contracts, DENR Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Maria Elvira V. Lumayag highlighted the important roles of the women-beneficiaries in their organizations. She said that the “assistance granted by the government through the DENR will help you as mothers and guide your respective organizations, to improve your livelihood and standard of living. We ask you to grow and develop this investment while continuously protecting our environment and natural resources, especially the protected areas.”

BDFE, in collaboration with local government units and POs, engages in economic activities and practices of enterprises that promote the sustainable use of biological resources, create wealth and value, and open opportunities for the equitable sharing of benefits among shareholders.