41 Maguindanao ‘widows of war’ get 20K each in livelihood aid

A total of 41 indigent widows of war from South Upi, Maguindanao, received P20,000 each as business start-up capital to help improve their socio-economic and living conditions.

‘Widows of War/Conflict Project’ was funded under the Ministry of Trade Investments and Tourism of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Alam natin na hindi biro ang pinagdadaanan ng kababaihan na nawalan ng asawa dahil sa gyera at conflict, kaya sa maliit na paraan ay tinutulungan natin sila kung paano magpundar ng negosyo,” Member of Parliament Susan Anayatin said.

“Isa sa pinaka-layunin ng proyekto ay tuturuan sila kung paano mag-manage nito [pondo], lalo na sa farmers na naghihintay pa ng apat na buwan para makaani,” she added.

Trade Industry Development Analyst Rohanisah Malawad also highlighted the importance of having alternative income resources, specifically for farmers who quarterly wait for harvesting.

“Kapag may produkto ka, isa ka nang negosyante, farmer ka at the same time may negoyso ka. Sa buhay, kailangan madiskarte at maparaan, aralin mo kung anu-ano ang mga pasikot-sikot kung paano maging successful sa business,” Malawad advised the widows.

One recipient, Florida Tumbaga, 34, with four children, shared her experience as a single parent and farmer who struggles daily to earn a living.

“Sa araw-araw ay kumikita ako ng Php150.00 sa pag-ani; kaya ang makukuha ko dito ay ibibili ko ng mga pang-abono at mga alagang hayop para pandagdag kita habang hinihintay namin na anihin ang aming mga pananim,” she said.

Before the cash aid distribution, the qualified recipients underwent profiling, assessment, and evaluation, in collaboration with the Municipal Social Welfare. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News