While some of the members were only resellers back in the day, they are now the makers of their own goods. This is among the impacts marked by the abundant opportunities extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) livelihood program.
In the sleepy town of Real in Quezon province, a group of women-beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) turned their fate around as their broom-making business drove them from their humble beginning toward their sweeping success.
This is the story of the Maragondon Dragon Grass Association, a 56-member Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) that won an award from the DSWD SLP’s Gawad Sibol for outstanding beneficiaries in the handmade microbusiness category in 2019.
Jocelyn Capablanca, one of the members of the association said their feat is a classic tale highlighting the importance of unity and empowerment.
“Sa mga kapwa ko nanay na mula sa simpleng buhay, huwag matakot na sumali sa mga samahan, lalo na yung binubuo ng ating pamahalaan. Kasi ibahagi din nila ang kanilang kaalaman, at kahit tayo pala ay napakaliit na tao ay may magagawa at maitutulong pala tayo,” Jocelyn said in the 11th episode of DSWD’s Mga Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago or #KPAP, the online documentary by the Strategic Communications Group.
Prior to the DSWD’s entry into the picture, Jocelyn recalled that the members were mostly vendors who had their own separate ventures to make ends meet. They would sell various products around their neighborhood, including broomsticks.
Despite their hard work, however, they often find themselves with few opportunities to break out of the cycle of poverty.
It was only in 2015 when SLP came and provided them with financial aid and support to launch a broom-making business—a craft they had long known but never had the resources to pursue on a larger scale or let alone, to work together as a group.
One after another, the agency’s cash-for-work (CFW) program was introduced and forever altered the course of their business. Through this initiative, the SLPA members were able to earn while planting their own tiger grass or locally known as raza, a vital raw material for making brooms.
The group used to rely on outside suppliers, which often led to delays and higher production costs. Going forward with a steady supply of homegrown tiger grass, it has also allowed the association to adopt more sustainable business practices with the help of other agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“Nakita po ng lokal na pamahalaan sa ilalim din po ng Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) at DSWD, tinulungan kami ng cash for work na ang unang pinatanim sa amin ay tiger grass. Pangunahin po yon kasi ang gusto po at nakita nila na yun pala ang kailangan namin na ma-improve,” Jocelyn explained.
The now three-hectare field of tiger grass is also sowing broader purpose into their community, which is known for its contribution in preventing soil erosion.
In 2019, the incentives they got from the awarding ceremony of the DSWD further empowered them, which came with a Php1.5 million-worth of new harvesting facility, leading to great improvements in their operations.
Today, the Maragondon Dragon Grass Association stands as a powerful example of how government support can make a difference in the lives of people from difficult circumstances, particularly those who are willing to work hard and seize opportunities.
As their broomstick business sustains sweeping success one after the other, their narrative attest that with determination and the right support, communities can overcome challenges and create lasting change.
Looking forward, the association has big plans. They are excited about the future, and the support they received from the DSWD and other government bodies has given them the confidence to keep pushing forward.
“Maraming salamat po sa DSWD, marami po kayong binagong buhay,” Jocelyn remarked, with a smile full of gratitude.
The SLP is a capacity-building initiative by the DSWD that aims to support identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities.
The program provides viable interventions to improve the participants’ socio-economic conditions by helping them access and acquire necessary assets to establish and sustain their thriving livelihoods.
The #KPAP is hosted by Director Aldrine Fermin, the of Traditional Media Service (TMS), which is under the Strategic Communications group, and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page.
