Livelihood
Empowering Livelihoods for Economic and Social Development
The JVR Foundation (JVRF) has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of individuals across the country, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to both the economy and society.
One such initiative is in Alubijid, a town in Misamis Oriental, where salt farming plays a crucial yet labor-intensive role in the local economy. Recognizing the challenges faced by salt farmers in the area, the JVR Foundation stepped in to support the modernization and mechanization of the industry.
In partnership with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and the Angat Buhay program of former Vice President Leni Robredo, JVRF has spearheaded a collaborative effort to address these challenges. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Xavier University is tasked with developing a specialized machine that will significantly accelerate the salt production process, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.
This project exemplifies JVRF’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods by supporting innovation, enhancing productivity, and uplifting communities across the nation.
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Physics Teachers Training (since 2003)
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Supporting Typhoon Yolanda Survivors: Restoring Livelihoods and Hope
In November 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck the Philippines, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Over 6,000 lives were lost, and billions of pesos in properties were destroyed, leaving countless families struggling to rebuild their lives.
In response to the immense challenges faced by affected communities, the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc. (NVC) launched a boat donation drive known as “Peter’s Project” to help fishermen whose livelihoods were devastated by the storm. The initiative aimed to provide these fishermen with the tools they needed to restart their work and support their families.
The JVR Foundation, through its partnership with NVC, contributed by donating 10 motorized fishing boats, each equipped with nets and other essential fishing gear. Five boats were sent to fisherfolk in Bantayan Island, Cebu, while the remaining five were delivered to communities in the Bicol region.
This effort underscores JVRF's dedication to helping communities rebuild and restore their livelihoods, fostering resilience in the face of disaster and providing hope to those who need it most.
Baseco Sewing Program in Tondo, Manila
In the heart of Tondo, one of Manila's most vibrant yet economically challenged communities, a group of women has found a way to lift themselves and their families out of hardship through a skill that has not only supported them financially but also empowered them in ways they never imagined. Sewing, a craft that many might consider a simple hobby, has become a lifeline for these women, offering them both the means to earn extra income and a sense of purpose.
What started as a program to teach women how to sew as a way of supporting their families quickly became a source of resilience which showed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With schools, businesses, and public spaces shut down, many local livelihoods were disrupted. But for the women of Tondo, the sewing skills they had acquired turned out to be more than just a temporary solution – it became a sustainable means of survival.
When the pandemic forced public transportation to implement strict safety measures, one of the immediate needs was to ensure that vehicles like the Bajaj RE adhered to physical distancing protocols. As a result, these women were tapped to sew dividers for the vehicles, a crucial piece of equipment to keep commuters safe. It was an opportunity they had not anticipated but one they were more than ready to seize, using their newfound skills to contribute to the community's safety while also earning a steady income.
The project demonstrated not only the practical value of the sewing skills the women had acquired but also the sustainability of the program that had equipped them to handle unexpected challenges. The ability to sew became a ticket to financial stability, and it wasn’t just a short-term solution.
For the women of Tondo, sewing has become more than just a skill – it’s a way to build resilience, foster independence, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families. As they continue to grow in confidence and skill, they are not only shaping their own lives but also supporting one another through a shared sense of community. This program, which began with a simple goal of teaching a trade, has become a lasting symbol of what’s possible when people are empowered with the tools they need to succeed. It’s a reminder that even in the most difficult times, opportunities for growth and transformation can emerge.