Spinning a trail towards a clean, golden prospect

KALIBO, Aklan- It is said that in prospecting for gold, you either find nothing but dirt or you hit the mother lode. For New Buswang Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) in Aklan, receiving a livelihood grant from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) was their moment of what they call a gold rush.

The association established a laundry business in 2024, which until now is still on a roll and shows no sign of halting. Customers praise their affordable, clean, and neat services; hence, the members on duty receive tips ranging from ₱20 to ₱100 every day, which they share with one another.

The laundry business not only shows its resilience and reliability through its year-long growth but also through its manpower, or in this case, WOMAN POWER, running the business. The ladies proudly stake their time and energy, all the while being occupied with work and facing their own personal struggles related to health, widowhood, family, and financial situations. At seven o’clock in the morning, the shop is usually cramped with laundry, yet still organized. Its women move in a precise and productive manner. The machines spin, customers are accommodated promptly, and whenever needed, a hand is lent in support.

Growth isn’t limited to the physical enterprise and profit; it is also felt by the people who manage it. One particular member, Meciel Tayco, who was once a shy and quiet member, now leads the SLPA in a clear-cut direction. As the new President, she decisively fulfills her role and obligations. Meciel earns a daily wage as the main operator of the machines, with her work shift starting from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In times of her unavailability, other members fill in for her.

She states that her earnings are a big help in supporting her family. “Mabahoe gid nga bulig sa pag eskwela it mga unga sa educational expenses kaya’t may masaligan maskin kalisud it pangabuhi.” [It is a huge help in paying for the children’s educational expenses because you have something to rely on during difficult times.], she shared.

The teamwork that the members have is one of the association’s secrets to their continuous growth.

Camilla, another SLPA member, said, “Siguro ro pareho kamun tanan hay nalipay kami sa amun nga negosyo. Pag abu ro kita, pag aktibo ro kaibahan mo, nahugdan ka sa pag ubra.” [I think what we all share in common is that we are all happy with our business. The income is good, and my fellow members are active, which motivates me to work better.]

For her, folding clothes is easy work, but it helps her earn wages to augment their household expenses.

Their operations since November 2024 have resulted in high gross sales, which enabled them to pay the salaries of their 21 active members who, from time to time, render duty in the laundry shop.

“Sobra pa’t ah nga blessing sa amun gina asahan,” Marilou shared. [This blessing is more than what we expected.]

Acting with knowledge worthy of that of a business enterprise, they struck another goldmine when they bought a high-capacity commercial washer and dryer using their savings. The decision was unanimously agreed upon through a resolution by the general assembly. This additional machine made their laundry service more efficient, which lessened the working time of each member, giving them more time to improve their individual well-being.

New Buswang SLP Association’s motivation not only centers on money but rather on a vision that they are building the bedrock from the solid groundwork of persistence and diligence. Their synergy formed like smelting and refining gold, passing through intense fire and emerging polished and enhanced.

As the association continues to move forward with greater hope for tomorrow, they did not forget to be grateful for all the assistance they have received from the Sustainable Livelihood Program for the capital granted and the continued support provided by its field staff and their Local Government Unit./cdf/Quem Nash Gyzher Cainglet, WVSU Intern/Aimee Abata

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