What happens when you give wings to those who dare to dream, even while standing on uncertain ground? In Meycauayan, Bulacan’s Kubo and Cardinal communities, families living as informal settlers are writing an extraordinary story of transformation that challenges our understanding of what’s possible when communities unite for change.
These resilient communities, among the poorest in their municipality, survive through irregular jobs, construction work, and piece-rate labor. Yet amidst their precarious existence on borrowed land, a powerful partnership between Pure Bayanihan and Victory Meycauayan has sparked remarkable change to their lives.
The Courage to Dream
In these informal settlements, life is a delicate balance. Families live with the constant fear of eviction, knowing that at any moment, the land they call home could be taken away. But even in the face of such uncertainty, the people of Kubo and Cardinal have held onto one thing: hope. It is this hope that Pure Bayanihan sought to nurture when it partnered with Victory Meycauayan to bring sustainable livelihood programs to these communities.
Through this initiative, dreams that once seemed out of reach are now within grasp. For Joyce, a mother who bakes to support her family, the program provided baking equipment and training that allowed her to turn her passion into a thriving small business. For Dennis, an aging balut or fertilized duck egg vendor struggling with physical exhaustion, it offered a chance to transition into a food cart livelihood. And for Elaine, a mother caring for her child who is on the autism spectrum, it brought not just a sewing machine but renewed confidence in her ability to provide a better future for her family.
Empowerment Through Livelihood
The transformation began with a simple yet profound idea: equip families with the tools and skills they need to build sustainable businesses. Through this project, sewing machines were given to women eager to learn garment production. Food carts became platforms for entrepreneurial ventures. Capital was provided for frozen food businesses and online selling opportunities. But this program was about more than just handing out resources—it was about empowering individuals to take ownership of their futures.
There are also training sessions that taught participants not only technical skills but also basic business mathematics and financial management. Volunteers from Victory Meycauayan offered mentorship and spiritual support, ensuring that each of them is equipped not just by the resources and capital but also the guidance they need to succeed. The initiative also emphasized accountability and sustainability by carefully monitoring progress and encouraging beneficiaries to manage their profits well and reinvest in their businesses.
A Brighter Tomorrow
As these families continue their journey toward self-sufficiency, they face new challenges with renewed strength. The prospect of relocation no longer feels like an insurmountable threat but rather a possibility that they can now prepare for. With their newly acquired skills and livelihood, they can somehow be confident that when the eviction for them happens, they have the means and the strength to accept it and start over.
This is a powerful reminder that sometimes all people need is a chance—a chance to dream and prove their potential. Through the unwavering support of Pure Bayanihan and Victory Meycauayan, these communities have found that even on borrowed land, dreams can take root and grow into something extraordinary.
In Meycauayan’s Kubo and Cardinal communities, hope has found its wings—and it is soaring higher than ever before.
