The Hibago Women’s Rural Workers Association (HWRWA) has officially opened their rice retail business in Sitio Lidong, Barangay Hibago, Camarines Sur.
HWRWA received a Livelihood Grant under the TOGETHER Project, made possible through their BULSA or Barangay United Loan and Savings Association.
According to Mary Jane Enciso, president of the women’s group, they chose to establish a rice retail business to provide affordable and quality rice—a basic necessity—closer to the residents of their barangay.
A Memorandum of Agreement was also signed between ADRA Philippines and HWRWA as part of the official launch of the rice business.
During the event, it was also announced that the Hibago Women’s Rural Workers Association is now a registered workers’ association under the Department of Labor and Employment—an important step in empowering the group to uplift the quality of life for its women members through various programs and activities.
HWRWA is one of ten BULSA groups in five partner municipalities under Project TOGETHER set to receive livelihood grants this year to start their own enterprises.
The income generated by each group from their businesses will be shared among members to help them access various health services.
BULSA aims to strengthen the financial capacity of women—not only to support their economic growth, but also to empower them in decision-making and protect them from any form of abuse.