Millions of people are deeply affected by poverty. Through utilizing local resources in which affected communities in dire poverty can engage in, people can attain financial independence and provide a better living to their families. With the dedication of OPEC News Network and OPEC Leyte Movers, civic activities to help alleviate the socio-economic condition of the people were made possible.
COMMUNAL GARDEN AND JETMATIC INSTALLATION PROJECT
OPEC News Network launched the Livelihood Program for the 4Ps beneficiaries at Barangay Guin-on, Calbayog City, Samar. The team started the Communal Garden Project after receiving approval from the Samar Integrated Community Agricultural Project (SICAP) to utilize a vacant lot as their site for the garden. The beneficiaries began to plant vegetables with the hopes of having an additional income and source of food. The OPEC team provided farming tools like shovel, rake, native hats (salakot), bolo, water sprinkler, vegetable, and corn seeds.
City Agricultural Office, different sectors, institution and individuals have also imparted to this project. The Department of Agriculture (DA) also donated a greenhouse for other crops like lettuce, but was not sold to any supermarkets in the city as the water source did not pass the quality control set by the Gaisano Supermarket which led to the second project --- the Jetmatic Installation.
A kind congressman donated the Jetmatic equipment while M Lhuillier financed its installation. It was installed on a farm beside the 4Ps center. The second project was also useful to households in the barangay since they only have a limited water supply. The turn-over ceremony of the project was held in the communal garden last January 15, 2020. Technicians from the Department of Agriculture, 4Ps beneficiaries, personnel from SICAP, barangay officials, and OPEC News Network team headed by Regional Manager Mr. Eutemio Y. Cueva was present during the activity.
OPEC Leyte Movers adopted the Livelihood Program with Person with Disability (PWD) members in the Foundation for These-Abled Persons Inc. (FTI) situated at Barangay Katipunan, Hindang, Leyte. In spite of their condition, these particular people remained determined to work in an agricultural project.
With their positive outlook in life, the ever-enthusiastic OPEC team chose them as the recipient of their livelihood project. Random seedlings were given to be added to the agricultural site composed of fruit-bearing trees and various plants. The team also donated one set of computer with printer to the foundation. ML giveaways such as t-shirts and bags were distributed to the members and their families.
Each event was filled with satisfaction as the beneficiaries received the opportunity to become a good provider to their families by giving them the means to earn.
