It is said that humanity shines through in times of crisis. As the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic continues to afflict the world, people, friends, and strangers are coming together to support one another especially as most economic activity has slowed and even resulted in the loss of jobs.
In sitio Northern Binugao in Toril, Davao City, a community of women residents have found a way to earn a living despite the cards the pandemic has dealt them. On their own initiative, they formed an organization and established a livelihood that would provide for their families — rug and rag making.
“The pandemic has resulted in a lot of unemployment and then you also have children and the elderly who just stay at home due to the community quarantine. This got us thinking about creating a livelihood program that could help support their families during the pandemic,” said Barangay Binugao Kagawad Neil Greg Saniel, who spearheaded the initiative with his wife Genevieve Saniel.
To support the community’s emerging enterprise, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) partnered with Aboitiz Foundation and the Barangay Council of Binugao in providing the organization with over 50 rug-making frames, 50 potholder-making frames, 3 electronic sewing machines, scissors, and 400 kilos of raw materials — all of which helps to enhance their livelihood recovery efforts.
“We are grateful for this support and will make sure to take care of these tools that TSI has given us. We hope to be able to expand the program and create more groups of rug- and rag-makers with these resources we have received,” said Binugao Barangay Captain Remegio Saniel.
TSI is the owner and operator of the 300-megawatt baseload power plant located in Binugao, Toril, Davao City. TSI is certified in four ISO standards, namely Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018), and Asset Management System (ISO 55001:2014). Along with Therma Luzon, Inc. and Therma Visayas, Inc., the three primarily compose the Coal Business Unit of AboitizPower.
