In the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda, the once thriving coastal town of Mercedes in Eastern Samar was reduced to rubble, leaving families homeless, without food and livelihood.
One of the organizations that heeded the call for help is the Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA) through the Assumption Cares program. They adopted six barangays in Mercedes by rebuilding their houses, repairing their parish halls, and constructing disaster-resilient domes that will serve as community centers in barangay Busay.
As the program is nearing its completion, AAA decided to continue their support leading to the sustainability of the residents who lost their livelihood. “We don’t want to end the project with just homes, we want to give them something to sustain their lives,” said Regina Hechanova, Assumption Cares Program chairperson.
Hence, they partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for a livelihood project through Bio-Intensive Gardening (BIG), which aims to benefit at least 100 households in barangay Busay.
PBSP, in collaboration with the Mercedes Agriculture Office, will conduct training sessions on BIG technology for the beneficiaries and build 100 bio-intensive gardens in selected households.
Implementation of the P1.3 million project began last month and is expected to be completed in February 2016.