I am Lourdes Basilides a widow with 4 children. Currently I used to live with my son and grandchild and his family.
G2A and GDFI greatly helped our family specially that I have thyroid problem for a long time now. It was so hard for me as a mother to depend on my children for food and medicine. After Super Typhoon Yolanda, we were one of the families who lost all their properties including houses. The only livelihood I know since I was child is fishing, so when I was advised by the doctor to stop, I was devastated. I am thankful to G2A and GDFI for giving us a house and an opportunity to earn even at home.
Before, I already knew how to process Bariw and make bags and “banig” (mats) out of it. However, it was hard for me to produce in volume because of my condition. When G2A and GDFI supported women with trainings on Handicraft Production, I was so happy. I thought to myself that, at least if I could earn some money, I could help my children in our expenses specially my medication. After the trainings, I actively participated in our small livelihood project. We process bariw during mid-day and bake bread (the local way) in the morning and afternoon. Because of the trainings given by GDFI, we were able to grow our capital. For the past 2 years, I am proud to say that through the opportunity given to us I was able to buy a new bamboo sala set, glass jalousies for my windows, and buy my regular medication. I was able to give some small amounts to my children and grandchildren as well. When I thought I was a burden to my family already, the women’s livelihood helped me to earn despite my condition.
During the lockdown, the pandemic gave way to an opportunity for us to sew and sell facemasks, while we continue selling bread and offering sewing services. Our group was able to share out almost 10k for each of us from our sales in mask production. The masks distributed by G2A and GDFI were made by our group. I felt good being productive at my age, being able to help during the pandemic and by not being a burden to my family anymore. I saved some of my shares from our small livelihood and hopefully soon, I would be able to undergo operation for my thyroid with the help of my family. From a widow who still support her son and grandchild, I am forever thankful to G2A and GDFI for the opportunity and support they provided us.