When we think about heroes, we recall those who have come before us, martyrs, revolutionaries, or sometimes, we even refer to the present soldiers of war. We also identify modern heroes abroad in our OFWs. And of course, pop culture promotes heroes who fly, have secret identities, and those who can turn themselves into green, temperamental monster.
But, would you consider a person who sells, markets products and ears profits a hero?
We do.
MicroVentures Foundation (MVF), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Services Officers of the Philippines, Inc., (PESOPHIL) believe that there is dignity and heroism in business.
The PESOPHIL-Hapinoy Program is a joint project of PESOPHIL and MVF that aims to empower sari-sari stores in the provinces in order to sustain their businesses. PESO will be responsible for ensuring the efficient delivery of employment, livelihood services and provision of information on DOLE's program while business development trainings to support the sari-sari stores will be MVF's counterpart.
The Barangay Training and Employment Coordinators (BTEC) will run the employment and livelihood programs of the DOLE and PESO in the communities. BTEC is PESO's counterpart in the barangay level.
Last May 22 in the Hiyas Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the program was assigned by Bam Aquino (MVF President and Hapinoy Co-Founder), Lourdes Trasmonte (Labor Undersecretary), Honorable Wilhemino Sy-Alvarado (Bulacan Governor), and Elizabeth Alonzo (President of the PESOPhil and the Regional PESO Managers Federation, Inc. in Central Luzon).
Bam Aquino addressed the Nanay micro entrepreneurs present during the event, "mga nanay, kayo po ay tinuturing na bayani dahil kayo po, sa pamamagitan ng mga inyong tindahan, ay kumakayod para sa inyong pamilya, para sa inyong komunidad at para sa ating bayan."
Also present were DOLE RO3 Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, Director Chita Cilindro of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concern (BWSC), Board Member Hon. Felix "Toti" Ople and other officials of Bulacan.
The PESOPhil-Hapinoy program is set to benefit over 350 Nanay micro entrepreneurs.