ECOWEB through the funding support of Christian Aid, awarded the cash assistance of PhP50,000 to the fourteen (14) members of the Power Group Survivor, a Self Help Group (SHG) from Maria Cristina Evacuation Center, Iligan City.
The members of the group are residents of Barangay Naga, Marawi City, one of the main battle area and still no certainty on when they can go back to their respective places to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
According to Norhaya B. Cassan, one of the SHG leader said that aside from the relief goods they have received, they also need livelihood assistance to address their other family needs. She added in the interview that it was so difficult for them to put-up, sustain and restore their livelihoods because they have no access for funding support.
The survivors and community led response (sclr) approach of ECOWEB have given them the power to decide on the business they want to engage, where the group proposed on the fish vending business as their livelihood since this was their main source of livelihood before the conflict erupted.
In agreement with the Power Survivor Group, the cash assistance that handed over was a loan and expected to be returned on the agreed schedule with no added interest and the cash they have received will be shared equitably to all the members, which will serve as their initial capital for their fish vending business. The group will manage the project and it will be regularly monitored by ECOWEB for any technical support needed.
While receiving the cash support, the Self Help Group (SHG) members felt very excited to start their business. For them, this is a great opportunity to receive the assistance, to make it grow and increase for the benefit of their families.
The Power Survivor Group members expressed their sincere gratitude to ECOWEB and Christian Aid that were responsible to the realization of the project.
