US launches microenterprise project in Lanao

The United States government has initiated a project that aims to reduce poverty in Lanao del Norte by helping women create economic opportunities for themselves by developing microenterprises and improving agricultural productivity.

The US Embassy in Manila recently launched the Women Organizations Managing Agri-based Networks for a Sustainable Society project in Iligan City in collaboration with the Xavier Science Foundation.

The project is a validation of America’s commitment to empowering women and girls because of their indispensable role in development.

This two-year initiative will train 132 leaders of women cooperatives from all 22 municipalities of Lanao del Norte how to organize and lead effective women’s organizations; how to produce and market a value-added product; and how to improve agricultural productivity.

These women leaders will then engage the estimated 1,600 members of their cooperatives to establish viable microenterprises.

According to the US Embassy, these microenterprises have the potential to significantly improve the women’s household incomes and enhance their ability to provide better health, nutrition, and educational opportunities to their families.

In addition to alleviating poverty in the province, the project also aims to establish productive and peaceful bonds between Muslim and Christian women groups within Lanao del Norte. (Roy C. Mabasa)