By Mutya Valenzuela
HAPI CFO
Mothers are often the central pillars of their families, yet as women, they continue to face persistent inequality and injustice and bear the brunt of poverty.
To overcome poverty, women must be empowered. When women are able to improve their lives, they transfer these improvements to the lives of their children, families, and communities.
As a woman who is part of HAPI, it has long been my dream to support and help my fellow women, which is why HAPI-Bulacan and HAPI-Alabang came up with the “Bigasan (Rice) Livelihood Program” to uplift Filipina women.
How does it work?
Through the Bigasan store, we will help mothers whose family earnings do not exceed $45.00 a month. Thanks to our beloved donors, we were able to give them ten sacks of rice for them to sell. They will sell the rice by the kilo; after all the rice has been sold, the income and the interest will be used to buy another ten sacks of rice plus three more sacks from the interest. Through this program, mothers can sell and borrow rice as a means of livelihood.
The HAPI Chief Finance Officer will be responsible for teaching them how to handle their microbusiness.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
Thank you to our beloved donors who made the Bigasan Livelihood Program happen:
- Humanist Global Charity
- Sir Bob
- Marissa Torres-Langseth
- Christian Fajutagana
(HAPI Bulacan: Bigasan ng mga Ina is now in its second month. HAPI Alabang: Mom’s Store started last June 12.)
