By: Social Marketing

"Wala mi nagdahom na makatukod mi ani na proyekto," Elizabeth Tandoy shared, "Mao nang amumahon namu ni pag-ayo aron molambo kini ug makatabang pud mi sa mga tain taong nangihanglan ug tabang." ("We didn't expect that we can put up a project like this... We will take good care of this project to prosper so that we could also extend help to others.")   Elizabeth Tandoy is the President of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) San Vicente Association in Butuan City. Established in October 2015, one hundred thirty-six (136) members agreed to start a credit facility, which aims to alleviate the economic condition of the people within the community from unscrupulous money lenders or loan sharks and to eventually uplift the people's quality of life. Operating like a bank, SLP San Vicente Association's project is a socialized micro-lending and social insurance registered in Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Further, its social insurance is registered with Insurance Commission.  

Partnership Towards Efficiency

The Association strengthened their micro-enterprise through maintaining strong collaboration and partnership with various government agencies and local banks, such as the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), Butuan City LGU, Cantilan Bank, and Landbank of the Philippines. The BLGU donated a building and created a Barangay Ordinance that aids the effectual operations of the project. The association enjoys tax holiday as a support of the CLGU. Furthermore, one of the Sanggunian Members of the city, Atty Glenn Carampatana, acts as the legal counsel of the group with free of charge. The association forged partnership with Landbank for rediscounting notes.  

Serving the Community

For almost two (2) years of service, it has touched the lives of its members and has responded to the emerging needs of its community and even the nearby communities in its service area. “Kay natabangan mi sa programa, galantaw pud mi na makatabang mi sa among isigkatawo (Because the program has helped us, we also aim to extend help to others),” Elizabeth narrated. “Gahandom mi na tungod ani na proyekto, makalingkawas pud ang laing tao sa kalisod (We wish that this project will help others to be alleviated from poverty)." In an attempt to be a competitive and credible credit facility, it is geared towards uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the members through its various financial product and services. It offers various types of loans such as Chattel, Salary & ATM and Micro-enterprise. Apart from its loan services, it also provides insurance services. Three (3) of the many people who benefited with the association’s services are Alicia Guiral, Fortunata A. Duque and Ceverino L. Guindulam. After availing the Micro enterprise loan, Alicia and Fortunata both have their own business. “Naa nakoy kaugalingong carenderia tungod sa na-avail nako na loan (I now have my own food eatery business because of the loan that I’ve availed),” Alicia shared. Further, Fortunata also expressed, “Nabalik nako ako negosyo sa humay mao nangg dako akong pasalamat sa SLP San Vicente (I got back in my business in rice production that’s why I’m greatly grateful to SLP San Vicente).” Due to the association’s insurance, one of the deceased family members of the Principal Insured, Ceverino, has been aided by the insurance. Moreover, as part of their social responsibility, it has five (5) college scholars and they have annual “AdoptA-Barangay” and tree planting activity. Headed to Empowerment At present, the association remains to its goal of helping poor families and those who wanted to engage in businesses by implementing micro-enterprise activities through its multiple credit services. As part of its business expansion, SLP San Vicente Association ventures in a food eatery and catering services.i “Sa nahitabo karon sa amoa, maingon nako na goal met (For what’s happening right now, I can say that it’s goal met),” Elizabeth proudly shared.   Written by Mary Carmelle C. Jumawan, DSWD Caraga