2 women tribal groups get P1M grant from DENR

TWO women indigenous people (IP) organizations in Malapatan town, Sarangani province, received a total of P1 million from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 to improve their respective biodiversity-friendly enterprises.

DENR Soccsksargen named the beneficiary women IP organizations as the Ded Libon de Lasang Association (DLDLA) and the Jolohano Women’s Association, both based in Sapu Masla village of the municipality.

Both organizations underwent two years’ training on establishing economic and entrepreneurial practices that promote sustainable use of biological resources, create wealth and value and open opportunities for the equitable sharing of benefits among shareholders through the Upscaling of Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Sub-program.

The financial assistance, awarded by the DENR Biodiversity Bureau, is intended as physical and capital build-up for the provision of equipment and infrastructure needed for production.

Ded Libon de Lasang Association received P509,410 for the enhancement of its mat weaving workshop and display center.

The DLDLA has been weaving mats out of locally grown Romblon and buri plants since 2004 and its products are being sold both in local and international markets.

One of its members, Bai Estelita Bantilan, was awarded Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan for mat-weaving in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Jolohano Women’s Association received P490,590 to be used to purchase additional tents, tables and chairs, as well as utensils to enhance its growing “rent a tent” business.

DENR Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Maria Elvira Lumayag cited the important roles that women-beneficiaries play in their organizations.

“This assistance granted by the government through the DENR will help you, as mothers, and guide your respective organizations, to improve your livelihood and standard of living. We ask you to grow and develop this investment while continuously protecting our environment and natural resources, especially the protected areas,” Lumayag said.