Since the lockdowns and preventive measures due to the Covid-19, many business establishments and small income earners have been affected.
One of them was Gilbert Ociones, who used to work at a beauty salon for many years. The closure of the salon due to anti-Covid measures prompted him to venture to another business to make ends meet and sustain his family.
“I was a beautician before but the parlor where I used to work closed down so I had to try another business,” he said.
Through the Davao City government’s Rainbow Magnegosyo Ta Day Program, Gilbert was able to borrow P10,000 to open his small merienda store at the Bankerohan Public Market.
“As a member of the LGBT community, I am very thankful that the government has offered this program to help us start our business amidst the pandemic and to provide for our family,” Gilbert said.
The program also benefitted partners Susan Quimensao and Catherine Jopista from Ecoland. They were able to set up their long-time dream of running a milk tea business. They use to be online sellers but their business slowed down since the start of the pandemic
“Suwerte kaayo mi mga LGBT kay tungod gitagaan mi ni Mayor Sara og ingon ani nga opportunity nga magkanegosyo mi, magka-kapital, para magstart sa negosyo,” said Catherine.
More members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community in Davao City have benefitted under the loan program of the city government, Rainbow Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day.
Rainbow Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day is a sustainable livelihood program of the city government managed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) wherein members of the LGBTQ+ Community are offered a loan of up to P 10,000 each.
The program is a counterpart of Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day aimed at helping the members of the LGBTQ+ start their business. The beneficiaries can pay their loan amount for up to two years without incurring interest.
The beneficiaries are also required to undergo a two-day Basic Business Management Training to guide them on how to start their business.
On Tuesday, September 8, the 10th batch of beneficiaries from three (3) LGBT organizations comprising 90 individuals received their cash assistance at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building
“From 28 LGBT organizations in Davao City, 21 have already benefitted from the program,” said Norman Baloro, Focal Person of Rainbow Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day.
The city government-funded program has P 8.4 million for 840 beneficiaries who avail of the program. CIO
