Pilmico Empowers Piggery Entrepreneur in Bohol
Meet Arselisa B. Versales, an inspiring entrepreneur from Barangay Biabas, Ubay, Bohol. At 52 years old, Arselisa is a great example of how Pilmico’s Livelihood Program can make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Since 2022, Pilmico has been a key partner in her success story, from the modest beginnings of her piggery into a thriving enterprise.
Arselisa’s journey began in 2019 when she became an active member of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI Microfinance) and received financial loan assistance under the Kabuhayan Loan Product.
Despite facing several challenges, such as juggling her duties as a dedicated RHU3 Barangay Clerk and managing her piggery business, she persevered with the help of her partner.
Her dedication came to fruition when Arselisa was nominated for RAFI Microfinance’s Padayon sa Pagbusay Program (Paddle Unceasingly) in collaboration with Pilmico. This was a huge opportunity for Arselisa and her community.
As one of the beneficiaries of Pilmico’s Livelihood Program, she received two good-breed gilts, feeds, animal health products, and technical assistance.
Pilmico’s Livelihood Kit provides more than just material support. It aims to empower farmers and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive.
Arselisa, as a participant in the program, was able to recover from setbacks, such as losing piglets in 2019. With Pilmico’s support and Arselisa’s unwavering determination, she bounced back and is flourishing in her piggery business.
Since starting with just one gilt in 2017, Arselisa now oversees 13 healthy gilts, including the ones from Pilmico’s Livelihood Kit. Her perseverance secured her family’s livelihood and established her as a prominent supplier of hog meat in her market and the municipal slaughterhouse.
Arselisa expressed her gratitude to Pilmico, highlighting the impact of their support to her family’s livelihood and her children’s education. “Dako kaayong tabang sa among panginabuhi ang maong programa labi na pgpa-eskwela sa akong duha ka anak sa High School ug College,” (“This program greatly helped our livelihood, especially in supporting the education of my two children in High School and College”), she shared.
Arelisa is eager to expand her business by adding more gilts. Her story serves as an example of the transformative potential of Pilmico’s LiveLihood Program. It shows that through perseverance, resilience, and community support, dreams indeed can become a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact has the program had on Arselisa’s family beyond the piggery business itself?
Arselisa expressed that the program has been of great help not only to the family’s daily livelihood but also to her ability to support her two children’s education – one in high school and one in college. Her story illustrates how a well-structured livelihood program can generate ripple effects that extend from household income to educational opportunity.
Who is Arselisa B. Versales, and how did she first become connected to Pilmico’s livelihood program?
Arselisa is a 52-year-old entrepreneur from Barangay Biabas, Ubay, Bohol who runs a piggery while working as a barangay clerk. She became a RAFI Microfinance member in 2019 and received a Kabuhayan Loan to support her piggery. Through RAFI’s Padayon sa Pagbusay program, she was nominated to receive Pilmico’s Livelihood Kit starting in 2022.
What did Pilmico’s Livelihood Kit provide to Arselisa, and how did it differ from a simple cash or food donation?
Pilmico’s kit provided two good-breed gilts, animal feeds, animal health products, and hands-on technical assistance. Unlike a cash transfer, the kit gave Arselisa both productive assets and the knowledge to use them effectively – addressing not just immediate need but long-term business sustainability.
How has Arselisa’s piggery operation grown since she first started in 2017?
She began with a single gilt in 2017 and now manages 13 healthy gilts, including those received through Pilmico’s kit. She has established herself as a reliable hog meat supplier to her local market and the municipal slaughterhouse of Ubay, Bohol – a significant progression from a one-animal backyard operation to a recognized commercial supplier.
How did the program help Arselisa recover from earlier setbacks, including losses in 2019?
Arselisa lost piglets in 2019, a setback that would have been difficult to overcome without external support. Pilmico’s program provided her with new gilts, continued technical guidance, and encouragement to persist. The combination of material support and motivation helped her rebuild her herd and regain business momentum.
