Cacao planting, poultry, and wilderness rescue are at the heart of a new project launched by BUSOE, Inc., part of the Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, with the support of Security Bank in Malinao, Aklan.
“Busoe” comes from the Aklanon word “seed,” which has become the organization’s inspiration: to plant seeds of volunteerism, faith, hope, and generosity. True to its name, BUSOE, Inc. began planting cacao seedlings last year in Altavas, Malinao, New Washington, and Boracay—laying the groundwork for a bigger vision.
Security Bank shares this vision. ” We decided to plant our future with BUSOE, Inc. here in Brgy. Kinalangay Viejo in Malinao, Aklan because we share the same vision of empowering communities through sustainable livelihood and environmental care. ” said Frances Sumulong, CSR Officer of Security Bank.
Through the Integrated Community Development Project, BUSOE, Inc. now aims to strengthen the community’s capacity for disaster response while creating sustainable livelihoods through cacao farming, organic vegetable growing, and poultry raising.
We are grateful for being part of this project with BUSOE, Inc. A year from now, what we expect from the community is really to see how multiplicative the impact would be. Not only within Brgy. Kinalangay Viejo but also in nearby communities, because we believe that impact is something that grows as more and more people bond together through a common purpose. said Zsarlene Chua, Security Bank Public Affairs Head.
Forty beneficiaries, including farmers and solo parents, will be trained in cacao and poultry production, organic fertilization, pest management, and waste utilization. For many, this opens up long-term opportunities.
Malaking tulong po itong programa kasi may dagdag kita po sa aming pamumuhay. Mostly solo parent po kami, kami lang po ‘yung naghahanap-buhay para sa mga anak namin. Salamat po sa tulong para magkaroon kami ng hanapbuhay na pangmatagalan. Sana po tuloy-tuloy na . (This program has been a great help because it provides us with additional income for our families. As solo parents, we are the sole providers for our children, and this support allows us to build a more sustainable livelihood. We truly hope it continues.) shared Belen Rogano, one of the beneficiaries.
The cacao component also envisions Aklan as the cacao capital of Western Visayas. ” We learned that some farmers here were already making tablea but struggled to find raw materials, so we thought—why not start a cacao plantation? We began small, with those who were willing and had land to plant on. ” shared Glorely Alano, BUSOE, Inc. President.
She added that mothers were also organized for community gardening. With seedlings provided, they’ve already completed three croppings, harvested, and even sold vegetables. At the same time, youth and farmers are being trained for wilderness rescue to form barangay-based teams that can immediately respond to calamities while also gaining livelihoods. ” Thank you to Security Bank for believing in us and making this project possible. ” Alano said.
Beyond cacao, poultry, and wilderness rescue, BUSOE, Inc.’s deeper goal is to help communities build livelihoods that truly last—because from these seedlings grow not only crops, but also the confidence of families to dream bigger for their future.
Catch a glimpse of the launch: www.facebook.com/share/p/19jaqfFMQb/
This project is a product of Security Bank and BUSOE, Inc.’s partnership, sealed through the Maging Isang Daan Development Matching initiative during Angat Buhay’s first anniversary.
