By Rhienzy Faith Perocho

Centralians and beneficiaries gather for a photo opportunity during the ‘Project Kabuhayan: Mushroom Fruiting Bags Making Workshop’ in Brgy. Rumbang, Pototan, Iloilo, on February 4, 2025.

The Young Entrepreneurs Society of Central Philippine University (YES-CPU), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and accompanied by Mr. Sarex P. Dalida Dipol Jr., OIC Director, and Mrs. Gilda Monsole, YES-CPU Adviser, successfully conducted the “Project Kabuhayan: Mushroom Fruiting Bags Making Workshop” in the Anawim Community, Brgy. Rumbang, Pototan, Iloilo. This initiative aimed to equip participants with practical skills in mushroom cultivation while ensuring the sustained development and maintenance of their existing mushroom production facilities, which were first introduced under YES-CPU’s Project Green Thumb. Led by resource speakers Mr. Francis Capino, Ms. Myrtle Merasol, and Mr. Silver Hilado, the workshop provided hands-on training focused on effective techniques for growing and harvesting mushrooms, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable income generation.

This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), by creating sustainable income opportunities for marginalized communities; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by encouraging entrepreneurship and economic empowerment; and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating these principles, the initiative strengthens the economic resilience of the Anawim Community while fostering long-term self-sustainability.

As part of the program, YES-CPU also facilitated the turnover of used clothing and wooden frames, with the donation drive spearheaded by the Community Engagement & Service-Learning Center (CESL) and generously supported by the College of Arts and Sciences and Junior High School. These materials will aid the community’s Rug-Making Livelihood initiative, which was launched by YES-CPU in 2023. To date, this initiative has benefited three communities: Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City; the Ati Community in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City; and the Anawim Community in Brgy. Rumbang, Pototan, Iloilo. Through these initiatives, YES-CPU continues to champion community-driven entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood development, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and economic empowerment.