‘Livelihood recipients can compete globally’

Beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Tabuelan town, northern Cebu enjoy a break from selling their wares during the PaskoJuan Bazaar at the White Gold parking area. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

Beneficiaries of the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) can compete with businesses from Southeast Asian countries under the Asean economic community.

“We believe that they can compete with other markets, local or international,” SLP regional project coordinator Jennifer Quimno said at the sidelines of the “PaskoJuan Bazaar and Festival.”

The bazaar, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), featured chicharon, woven baskets, wallets and bags, slippers, and food.

“The [products] will last long and will be good value for your money,” Quimno said.

She said Filipino consumers should definitely patronize local products over international counterparts.

“That way, we can help our fellow Filipinos through capital or through market,” Quimno said.

This year, over 15 associations from the provinces of Negros, Bohol and Cebu joined the bazaar at the White Gold House.

Groups from Tabuelan, Carcar, Ginatilan, Mandaue, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Lapu-Lapu, Tuburan, San Fernando, Catmon, Asturias and Cebu City were represented in the event.

Tightly packed stalls were piled with products ranging from green mango, to packaged chicharon (pork rinds) and banana chips, to woven fruit baskets and handmade slippers.

Sellers from towns in Central Visayas wore the DSWD polo shirt while showcasing their wares to passers exiting the mall area of White Gold.

“The bazaar is intended to provide an ‘advanced Christmas’ to the Filipinos or the ‘Juans’,” Quimno said.
Beneficiaries were asked to post pictures of their wares on DSWD’s Facebook page.