DSWD Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre (seated, center) hands over the check for P460,000 to the 23 Modified Conditional Cash Transfer program beneficiaries of Barangay Umapad. (CONTRIBUTED)
“ANG basura sa uban, among panginabuhian (Other people’s trash, is our source of livelihood).”
Eduarda Morales, 43, a scavenger, underscored that there is really money in trash.
Morales, from Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, is one of the 23 partner-beneficiaries of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development who will undergo skills training on enterprise development to prepare them for the operation of their scrap metal business.
These MCCT beneficiaries named their group as Paglaum sa Homeless Association.
The group will be taught simple bookkeeping and recording skills to ensure the viability of their micro-enterprise.
They will also be given weighing scales, calculators and customized trisikads or cycle rickshaws.
The DSWD Central Visayas recently turned over a check for P460,000 for the training expenses and other necessary materials needed for the group’s junk shop.
“Pinaagi sa among kaugalingon nga junk shop, sigurado nga mas modaku pa ang among halin unya (Through our own junk shop, we are assured of bigger profit later on),” Morales said.
She said that MCCT has helped her send her three children to school.
MCCT covers poor families who were not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). It provides assistance to homeless street families, families in need of special protection and indigenous families. Assistance is not only limited to education and health grants, but also includes housing to improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries.
“Karon nga naa na puy lain hinabang gikan sa gobyerno, mas daku ang chance nga makatigom mig capital arun maka-negosyo na kami ug tagsa-tagsa (Now that we received more assistance from the government, we have a bigger chance in saving for capital for us to operate our own business),” Morales said.
Just like their group’s name – Paglaum sa Homeless Association, Morales is hopeful to have her own house someday.