ALTER TRADE CORPORATION
NEGROS-SAGAY CITY
May 2014
UPDATE
REHABILITATION
Alter Trade and Partners Launched Sustainable Livelihood in Old Sagay
Sanny Romero, gladly offered for us to ride his boat. He is 38years old, married with 4 children. He said that he usually goes fishing from 7:00evening until 5:00AM of the following day. Catch during good days reach 12-15 kilos. On normal days catch ranges from 4-5 kilos. 1 kilo of fish could be sold at P120.00 per kilo and it could go higher depending on the fish variety.
Sustainable livelihood projects aimed at providing employment for Women of Coastal Communities and fishermen affected by typhoon Yolanda were launched in Old Sagay, Sagay City Negros Occidental on April 25, 2014. Donation of small fishing boats to 30 fishermen and the smoked fish processing were the livelihood projects spearheaded by Alter Trade Corporation (ATC) together with its European and Asian trade partners as part of its ongoing relief and rehabilitation programs for victims of typhoon Yolanda.
10 housewives worked on the pilot operation of smoked fish processing. 2 baneras (40 kilos) of tabagak (a fish variety abundant in Old Sagay) and bangus (milkfish) were processed. The smoked fish processed this day were bought by ATC. Alongside, 30 fishermen beneficiaries, together with their wife and children, gladly received the donated motor boats.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos on his homily during the Holy Mass spoke of the necessity for men to do away with selfishness and to start caring for others. Bishop Alminaza said that livelihood projects for communities in Old Sagay are manifestations of people showing concern. He expressed his thanks to ATC and Partners for being agents in bringing about God’s graces to better people’s lives.
Ryuta Kuroiwa, Philippine representative of Alter Trade Japan (ATJ) shared that “kizuna” was felt in Japan after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japan received donations from foreign countries including Philippines. He said that there may be difficult times during rehabilitation but to not forget about the connection with other people. And that many people are hoping for the typhoon victims to triumph over these hardships.
“Kizuna”, a Japanese word meaning “bond” or “ties”, embodies the messages expressed in the
event.
Gilda Caduya, ATC President communicated that ATC together with its Partners are happy for the realization of the livelihood projects. She talked on the donation campaign efforts of trade partners that made the projects possible. She also urged the beneficiaries to value these livelihood projects for sustainability and that ATC is looking into continued partnership with the people of Old Sagay. Ryuta Kuroiwa, Philippine representative of Alter Trade Japan (ATJ) shared that “kizuna” was felt in Japan after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japan received donations from foreign countries including Philippines. He said that there may be difficult times during rehabilitation but to not forget about the connection with other people. And that many people are hoping for the typhoon victims to triumph over these hardships.
Rallen Alcansado, President of Fishermen Beneficiaries Association and Lolita Chu, President of Smoked Fish Processing Association responded in behalf of all beneficiaries. They expressed their gratitude, the importance of the projects to their families and their commitment in seeing to the livelihood’s sustainability.
Rehabilitation of Old Sagay is made possible by donations received from Alternative People’s Linkage in Asia, ATJ, Japanese Consumers Cooperatives, PUR Project, Aide Humanitaire France, Naturland, Gepa-Misereor, FAIR Bildung und Entwicklungshilfe e.V., and APNet-Dure Coop. ATC is one of the markets for the smoked fish. ATC will include this product for domestic marketing. Below are pictures of the launching ceremony.
Project administration is in coordination with Parish Priest Fr. Erwin Magnanao (center) and officers of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. James the Greater Parish, Old Sagay.
