TIGTABON, Zamboanga City (PIA) — A community-led assessment showcased a local livelihood program’s remarkable progress and positive impact, highlighting the power of unity and strategic support in fostering economic growth.
Members of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Livelihood Assistance Program Association (PLAPA) in the barangay spearheaded a spot check and monitoring activity, demonstrating their commitment to the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
This initiative allowed them to evaluate their agar-agar buy-and-sell business advancements, identify effective strategies and further strengthen local economic endeavors.
Key figures from the community played an instrumental role in the program’s success, with Barangay Kagawad Nurjim Mohammad Nul recognized for his valuable coordination and welcoming support.
At the same time, PLAPA President Saring Mohammad Nul was commended for her strong leadership and effective mobilization of the association’s members.
The event underscored the crucial role of collaboration within the community, the importance of accountability among its members and the value of consistent monitoring in ensuring the long-term viability of their projects.
Since 2020, PLAPA has strategically utilized financial resources to establish and expand its agar-agar business. This investment enabled them to acquire essential assets, including a motorized boat and additional working capital, allowing the group to operate effectively as harvesters and traders.
The success of this initial venture has spurred further community development, evidenced by the formation of the PAMANA Tigtabon Fisherfolks Association – a clear indication of the group’s strong leadership and collective spirit.
PLAPA’s operational model is grounded in key principles that contribute to its ongoing success, including proactive market research to identify opportunities, the active engagement of all members in decision-making and implementation and a strong commitment to community welfare.
Notably, the association demonstrated its social responsibility by providing a 10% patronage refund to Tigtabon residents, extending emergency assistance during challenging times and offering support to community members in need, fostering a culture of mutual aid and solidarity.
The barangay also recently received a newly improved community port, supporting Zamboanga’s crucial role as the nation’s leading agar-agar producer.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon underscored the port’s importance as a “lifeline” for the livelihoods of its coastal communities. (EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA/with reports from DSWD Field Office-9)
