The Kabuhayan ni Kaka Bai project, implemented by the Bangsamoro Women Commission under the 2023 Special Development Fund, has reached a remarkable milestone by providing assistance to a total of 250 beneficiaries across the BARMM region.

In line with Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s Road Map to implement the Islamic Finance System in the BARMM as a system to help uplift the living conditions of the marginalized sector, particularly the women in the Bangsamoro, this project falls under the Qard-e-Hassan Finance Scheme, or the Benevolent Financing, and aims to support the beneficiaries’ current entrepreneurial activities.

Through the project, the beneficiaries received capital assistance of PHP 20,000.00 each, along with mentoring and business development training to further strengthen their existing micro-enterprises. The beneficiaries include women from various backgrounds and considerations, such as single mothers, orphans, solo parents, SGBV victim-survivors, and women with disabilities.

During the orientation and disbursement of funds, a dedicated team from the BWC provided financial literacy sessions to ensure the beneficiaries understood the mechanics of the Qard-e-Hassan financing scheme and were equipped with the necessary skills to manage their capital effectively. As advised, the beneficiaries will be monitored and provided with continuous mentoring to track their progress and provide further assistance as needed.

BWC Chairperson and the concurrent Commissioner of the BWC-Maguindanao, SGA, and Cotabato City, Bainon Karon, expressed her gratitude to the BARMM government for their support and emphasized the Commission’s unwavering commitment to empowering Bangsamoro women through sustainable livelihood interventions.

“I hope you take advantage of this additional support so that you can advance your career even further. Set aside personal preferences and prioritize long-term development. And the trust that BARMM has instilled in you should be kept for the future.” – Basilan Commissioner Faija Taalil said during the disbursement of funds in Basilan.

Nurunnihar B. Muhammad, the Sulu Commissioner, reminded the beneficiaries in Sulu of their duties and responsibilities as project recipients and provided guidance on how to handle finances while also being a good and responsible mother during the fund delivery ceremony in Indanan, Sulu.

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Women Council, represented by MS. Diana Amilasan, issued a message of support, stating that they look forward to increased women’s activities and collaborations, as well as complete support for our Badjao women and rural areas.

Ranisa Salahuddin, the Tawi-Tawi Commissioner, expresses her optimism that all of the project’s selected beneficiaries will be successful in establishing and maintaining a livelihood for women. It is hoped that by employing the appropriate capital growth in the company that the Commission has given it, more women would be assisted.

“May we be resilient in the face of life’s adversities as IDPs, single parents, and widows. Let us always remember that Allah is always present to guide and assist us. The Qur’an says, “Every hardship comes ease,” which means that every problem we go through has a solution. So let’s not lose hope.

I hope that this program will help you in your daily life.” – Lanao Del Sur Commissioner Samaona Unda, RSW, said.

Immediately after the simultaneous activity held in all BARMM provinces, the BWC received positive feedback from the beneficiaries, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to grow their small businesses and improve their household’s economic well-being. Some have already opened their bank accounts, a first for many, and some have bought inventory to expand their current ventures such as sari-sari stores, vegetable/fish vending, online selling, RTW marketing, mini grocery stores, retailing businesses, native delicacy vending, etc.

The next steps for the Kabuhayan ni Kaka Bai project include continuous monitoring of the beneficiaries’ progress and organizing a series of business coaching and mentoring sessions.

The SDF-KKB project is a product of the Commission’s benchmarking of best practices from the government of Quezon City under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, in collaboration with Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA). This project is modeled after the Quezon City Government’s “Tindahan ni Joy” project which provided livelihood assistance to a remarkable number of women.