In  Barangay Kagawasan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur lies a story of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to bounce back to conquer more challenges. Belinda T. Pobadora, a 50-year-old mother of three, has transformed her life from one of daily struggle to a tale of empowerment and success, all thanks to her unwavering determination and the intervention of DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

For 12 years, Belinda single-handedly raised her children, living with her aging father and facing the daily challenges of a solo parent. Her life took a turn when she met her current live-in partner, a construction worker and farmer. Together, they navigated the hardships of life, with a combined income that was often insufficient to meet their daily needs. To make ends meet, Belinda assisted her partner in farming and even started a small hog-raising venture with a single piglet.

In September 2024, Belinda received a livelihood grant of ₱15,000.00 cash grant from SLP as a capital start-up for farmers from the City of Pagadian. Initially venturing into tomato farming, she quickly adapted to the unpredictable weather conditions and, on the advice of her SLP Project Development Officer (PDO), shifted to peanut production. This decision proved to be a game-changer.

Her first peanut harvest yielded a sale of ₱7,000.00, which she eagerly reinvested into her hog-raising business by purchasing more piglets. Seeing an opportunity to cater to her partner’s co-workers, she then opened a sari-sari store, offering goods on credit with a strict payment discipline. This venture thrived, bringing in an average of over ₱15,000.00 in weekly sales and an estimated weekly income of ₱5,460.00.

The success of her ventures has had a profound impact on her family’s life. From cohabiting with her partner’s uncle, Belinda and her family now have their own home. They have also been able to acquire appliances like a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator, significantly improving their quality of life.

Belinda’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, smart decision-making, and the diversification of income streams. Her careful financial management and the support from the SLP have been instrumental in her success.

In her own words, Belinda expresses her gratitude:

“Okay kaayo ang SLP kay nakatagamtam na mi og hinabang pinaagi sa SLP og napalambo namu ang kwarta nga gihatag namu aron madungagan ang among capital og matagaan mig tyansa ang komunidad aron maluwas na mi sa kalisud. Daku kaayo ang natabang sa SLP sa akong pamilya kay sa una gapuyo ra mi sa balay sa oyoan sa akong pares. Karon, nakapaningkamot na mi nga makalahi mig balaynga bisan gamay kay ga-ipon ra mi sa oyoan sa akong pares og nakapalit na mig appliances.”

(Translation: “SLP is very good because we have received help through SLP and we have been able to grow the money that was given to us to increase our capital and give our community a chance to be saved from poverty. SLP has helped my family a lot because before we were just living in my partner’s uncle’s house. Now, we have been able to strive to have our own house, even if it’s small, because we were just living with my partner’s uncle, and we have been able to buy appliances.”)

Belinda Pobadora’s journey is an inspiration, a shining example of how a small opportunity, combined with hard work and a determined spirit, can create a ripple effect of positive change, uplifting not just a family but an entire community.