Los Amigos differently-abled persons group gets livelihood aid from Davao Light, Aboitiz Foundation

The project aims to help strengthen the livelihood of one of the most vulnerable groups severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a statement, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head Fermin Edillon said REstart aims to support cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to restart their operations and recover from economic loss and failure brought about by the pandemic. 

Edillon said partner cooperatives are expected to use the restarter packages to start anew their businesses with fresh access to financing, newly-acquired skills, and suppliers/buyers to help recover their businesses.  

He said after almost two years since the start of the pandemic, a lot are still affected by the crisis. 

Edillon said this includes the 27 members of SAKADAB, who rely mostly on the income that they get from baking bread and pastries - a business they resumed under the same program when they received baking supplies, particularly flour which is the main ingredient used for their baking business, last February 2021 from Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation.

They also received sewing supplies and materials such as fabric, pins and pincushions, thread, needles, etc., and can now resume production of tote bags and other products, and even start expanding their sewing business. 

They also plan to make use of online platforms to sell these bags and work with partners to reach their target consumers. In this way, they are improving their resilience and at the same time safeguarding their livelihood.

For his part, SAKADAB President Ludivico G. Mascariñas Jr. said the group is thankful  with the donations from Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation. 

"Makatabang kini kanamo para sa among livelihood. Ingun nga nagasugod na kami og panahi karon og mga product nga mga eco bags. Daghan gyud kaayong salamat... God bless you more.” ( This is a big help for our livelihood. We are already starting to sew products such as eco bags. Thank you so much... God bless you more),” he said.

Getting back on track. Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation continue to support the Samahan ng may iba't-ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB), one of the most vulnerable groups severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, by donating sewing supplies and materials to resume production and expand their sewing business. (Davao Light)