In the farming community of Barcenaga in Naujan town, a group of women is redefining what empowerment looks like– one cup of ginger tea at a time.
Heal Tea Shine Barcenaga SLPA, a small association composed of 17 women, mostly homemakers and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has turned a modest government grant into a growing enterprise that is transforming both lives and livelihoods.
Alice Mendoza, the group’s president, echoes the sentiment of many who now find themselves earning regular income while contributing to a greater cause.
“Not only have you provided us with capital, but you’ve also infused us with hope,” Mendoza said.
With a ₱255,000 seed grant awarded in August 2023, the women began crafting handmade ginger tea locally known as “salabat” inspired by a shared fondness for traditional remedies and the community’s rich agricultural heritage.
Situated in Naujan, a town known for its fertile fields, the group taps into the province’s abundant ginger, chili and peanuts to produce not just tea, but also chili garlic sauce and peanut butter.
Prior to the association’s formation, many members were confined to household duties, relying on their spouses for financial support. Now, they earn ₱500 per production cycle, with additional income from product sales to schools, government offices and local retailers. Trade fairs and social media have helped them expand their reach.
While the journey has not been without its challenges—navigating operations, defining roles and upskilling, members say the venture has become more than a source of income. It is a support system, a training ground and a celebration of their skills and identity.
“Our products aren’t just for sale, they are reflections of who we are as mothers, workers and creators,” said group’s Treasurer Jennifer Dalisay.
The group now plans to collaborate with local government units to improve packaging and secure additional training, aiming to scale up both production and impact.
Weekly tea-making sessions have evolved into shared moments of learning and emotional support– spaces where women bond, strategize and affirm their potential.
Their story is one of several emerging from Sibol, a national initiative aimed at empowering marginalized Filipinos through sustainable livelihood support.
For Mendoza and her peers, the seeds of that support have already taken root–growing a future fueled by resilience, purpose and community. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
