From Mascovado to Organic Gardens: Kalinga PLGU grants P.5M aid to TWO associations in a bid to strengthen Kalinga Livelihood Projects

Tabuk City, Kalinga – With additional capital from the provincial government under Governor James Edduba, two community-based associations in Kalinga are set to expand their livelihoods and create more employment opportunities for their beneficiaries.

The associations, the Kabugao Mascovado PWD Association and the Tabuk Indigenous Women and Livelihood Association (TIWALA), received a total of P500,000 during the PLGU’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday, January 12, 2026.

During the activity, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Flordeliza G. Moldero said the financial assistance was made possible through the Gender and Development (GAD) Livelihood Program.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women, the program provides skills training, capital, and resources to empower individuals—especially marginalized women, PWDs, and the unemployed—to start or improve income-generating projects, focusing on areas such as food processing, crafts, and farming.

Of the total amount distributed, the Kabugao Mascovado PWD Association received P300,000 to purchase a one-unit sugarcane mill (Dapilan) with complete accessories for the production of mascovado sugar and vinegar.

Meanwhile, P200,000 was given to the Tabuk Indigenous Women and Livelihood Association (TIWALA).

According to the province’s Information Office, the funds will be used to establish a Natural and Organic Demonstration Garden, allowing the group to purchase farm inputs, machinery, equipment, and facilities for organic food production.

The PIO noted that the garden will serve as a venue for practical education, member empowerment, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the creation of employment opportunities.

The distribution of the aid was led by Governor Edduba, who reminded provincial government employees to continue working together for better public service, saying,

“Agtitinulong tayo, work as a family tapno nalaglag-an ken ad-adu maaramid tayo.”