Through the micro financing facility of UN Population Fund, Daisy Balingit and other housewives of Santa Rita Olongapo City, north of Manila, were able to establish the Santa Rita Smoked Fish Vendors Association.
With a seed money of about $850, it now grown to a revolving fund of more than $2,000 which tap members into or use for health care and other services.
At present, the group has 14 fulltime women members and produces several dozen kilograms of smoked fish a day in Balingit’s house by the river.
With this UN Development Program, they gain self- esteem and economic independence. It was a gaining headway in fighting poverty. [via]