The Pampanga provincial government recently awarded close to P2 million livelihood loans to 358 micro-entrepreneurs, all members of Negosyo king Panyulung Program (NPP) associations from various barangays and municipalities of the province.
Governor Lilia G. Pineda distributed the P1,985,000 worth of checks to the qualified beneficiaries in ceremonies held at the Benigno Aquino Memorial Hall at the capitol compound in the City of San Fernando.
Board Member Monina Laus who chairs the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on trade and industry along with fellow provincial legislators Trina Dizon, Fritzie David-Dizon, Tars Halili and Nestor Tolentino assisted the governor in awarding the checks together with Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Officer (PCEDO) Mamerto Gatus, the lead implementor of the provincial government’s livelihood program.
In her message to the micro-entrepreneurs, Pineda enjoined the beneficiaries to give their utmost cooperation to their respective associations and work together for the improvement of their businesses.
She also encouraged them to continuously study and look for ways and means to further increase their earnings as she reiterated the provincial government’s commitment in providing livelihood opportunities to the marginalized sector and thereby improve their lot.
More so, the governor advised them to look into the possibility of setting up mini-markets in the barangay with all the basic necessities and provisions readily available to the community members so residents would not have to go to the town proper for their needs.
For her part, Laus stressed that the NPP of the provincial government is the answer to the marginalized individuals and families who wish to put up their own business but do not have the financial capability to do so.
Under the NPP, qualified micro-entrepreneurs are each given P5,000 financial loan to finance their income-generating activities. The loan is payable in one year, with no collateral and zero interest.
“Aside from ensuring a healthy populace, the provision of livelihood opportunities like the NPP is one of the priority thrusts of Governor Nanay,” Laus explained.
Included among the loan beneficiaries are the NPP associations in Marcos Village in Mabalacat; Sepung Bulaon in Porac; Calzadang Bayu, also in Porac; Sapang Maisac in Mexico; Kulasa in San Nicolas, San Luis; Smart in San Isidro, also in San Luis; San Basilio in Sta. Rita; Franciscan in San Francisco, Lubao; Maligaya Vendors in San Basilio, Sta.Rita; Survivor in San Pablo 1 ,Lubao; Capalangan in Apalit; PWD in San Roque, Guagua; and Arnel Hernandez of Mandasig,Candaba.
Laus advised the program beneficiaries to put the Capitol’s financial assistance to good use as she cautioned them to limit their expenditures within their earnings.
PCEDO reports showed that the provincial government has, to date, provided more than P14 million financial loans and directly benefitted 2,500 micro-entrepreneurs in the province. (Pampanga PIO)
