More Pangasinan women groups get financial assistance

Lingayen, Pangasinan (16 December) — The provincial government has awarded P1.2 million worth of livelihood assistance to some 11 small and medium enterprises in Pangasinan thru the province’s Livelihood Assistance Program.

Provincial Population Officer (PPO) Luzviminda Muego said that the recipients belong to the seventh batch of women and entrepreneur associations to be awarded of such help. More groups are slated to avail of the loan program in February next year, she said.

“Ang programang ito ay tuloy-tuloy at naglalayon na makatulong at madagdagan ang kita ng ating mga kababayan,” Muego said.

She said that the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has already released P7.7 million since July 2007.

Muego said that the associations were thoroughly evaluated. After passing the screening, the PPO provides them with training and other technical assistance.

“Inoorganize namin sila at tinutulungan namin sila para lumakas upang sa ganun ma-manage nila ang kanilang livelihood at makabayad sila ng kanilang loan,” she said.

The PPO chief also said that each association is entitled of up to four loan availments.

Muego noted that the livelihood program is a big help in view of the recent calamities that struck Pangasinan causing heavy damages.

The province released the loan checks to the following groups: San Juan Women’s Club, Laois Women’s Association, Franciscan Women’s Association, Inmalog Norte Amazing Women’s Association, Capas Women’s Association, Kapuso Multi- Purpose Cooperative, Saint Paschal Baylon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Rangtay ti Rang-ay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Organic Pares Multi-Purpose Cooperative, PCB Boneless Bagoong Retailer and Five Kids Food Products.

At present, a total of 1,440 individuals coming from 66 women’s associations and eight entrepreneurial groups already benefited from the loan assistance program. (PIO/PIA Pangasinan)