Sitio Nabuswang of Brgy. Canmoros, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental is an island with a land area of about 200 hectares and has a population of more than 1,000 residents. It has a man-made forest covering 80 hectares of mangroves; and a kilometer-long foot walk made to provide visitors access inside the thick forest by crossing the creek which ends in a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea. The intervention made by the local government in cooperation with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and CENRO - Kabankalan City in 1994 helped in realizing the importance of the mangrove site to protect and conserve the wildlife and its diverse species. The island has the potential to be a Mangrove Eco-Park and Wildlife Sanctuary that would attract investors and visitors which could help the residents in terms of livelihood and productivity. Fishing is the major livelihood activity of the people in the island, thus, income of the family mainly come from marine resources. However, when unfavorable weather dominates the sea, looking for an option to find food for the day is sometimes difficult.

Culture dictates the way people behave in a community. Due to its isolation as an island, residents find pleasure and indulge in illegal gambling (i.e., playing cards, “bingo”) while waiting for family members to come back from fishing. This creates a negative impression to the possible “investors” in the island. Hence, the provision of opportunities to train them to earn during their free time is the premise of this program.

The Training on Cosmetology, Table Skirting and Wellness Program adhered to the vision of the Local Government Unit (LGU) to make the island a tourist destination. This is an initial step in providing livelihood skills geared towards an eco-tourism industry in the near future.

Situation before the Intervention

The isolated place of Sitio Nabuswang, an island at mouth of the river extending to the vast gulf of Panay, has less opportunities for livelihood. Fishing is the common livelihood in the community for the men, while women remain at home taking care of their children. Majority of the residents enjoy playing cards, Bingo games and betting to Small Town Lottery (STL). These are just some recreational activities which led to hampered productivity and led to laziness as well as bad influence to the children who are involved in these leisure activities. The financial assistance they receive from the 4P’s or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program had been beneficial to the education of the children, but is sometimes compromised because of gambling.

The plan of the parents to make their children responsible and active members of the community remains a dream. Children become parents at an early age and residents rarely participate in local activities which may be attributed to the lack of support of the LGU in attending to their needs as a community.

In addition, there is difficulty in transportation which contributes to the slow delivery of basic goods. This resulted to a concern for possible investors in the island.

This project was implemented in collaboration with the faculty of the education department, trainers from DepEd, TLE students, and TESDA personnel from the regional training center.

The training resulted to several advantages as observed by the implementers. First, it empowered 35 beneficiaries of livelihood skills in cosmetology, table skirting and wellness massage. After completing the 40-hour training, one beneficiary got a National Competency (NC) II for massage therapy, while two found jobs in Luzon/abroad. The rest catered to customers in the community, enhancing their skills and gaining more self-confidence while practicing their learned skills.

Second, it minimized gambling sessions in their place. They learned to budget their time and allot schedule for home services by applying their skills. It diverted their attention from doing illegal gambling to being productive which is favorable to the plan of making this area an eco-tourism site.

Third, it helped them to earn money and gave them the opportunity to meet new friends. There is more interaction and communication among the members of the community.

Lastly, it has also resulted to a creation of an association that developed cooperation among the members and the residents of the community. The Canmoros Skills and Livelihood Association (CSLA) created harmonious relationship among the members and officers. It was formally recognized by the barangay through Resolution No. 19 on June 1, 2019. It now awaits recognition from the municipal government and the certification to be given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which can open more support or gainful opportunities for the association members.

The following are the lessons learned by the implementers upon and after the conduct of the training:

1. The people in the community cooperated when they are given the chance to prove their worth. When task is given, they find ways to accomplish and improve while showing what they can.

2. If given attention, they will learn to trust you and build a stronger connection. Thus, trusting you as their friend also means trusting the government. This is one way of winning their interest back, so we need to value and promote community service by introducing this concept to our students.

3. People in the community need our help, they must be trained with skills to become independent and productive members of the society. With this, they learn to organize to sustain their needs and help others at the same time.

1. The program/project leader must ensure close coordination with other supporting agencies e.g. TESDA, DTI, LGU, DSWD etc. for intensive implementation of programs/ activities.

2. The program/project leader and implementers must study the way of life or culture of the people in the community to avoid disagreement and to establish trust with each other.

3. The program/project leader and implementers must have regular visitation and updating of members after the terminal report to let them feel your presence as a family and friend.

4. Follow up of income, practice of skills and the creation of an association for them to be organized is necessary to attain sustainability.

Extension Program has contributed to the improvement of the quality of life the target clientele/ beneficiaries.