Mayor John Geesnell Yap (second from left) holds a banner with Dr. Rosalinda Paredes (extreme left), the project coordinator of United States Agency for International Development-Strengtening Urban Resilience for Growth and Equity during the ceremonial turnover of the safe store kits to LGU Tagbilaran. The event which was held at the City Hall AtrIum on Feb. 25, 2021, was also graced by Tagbilaran first lady Jane Yap (third from left) and Coca-Cola’s Region Sales Manager Edmar Iberio (extreme right. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City local government unit (LGU) together with partners launch the Safe Store Project (SSP), aiming to support the reopening of sari-sari stores and other micro retailers in a safe and sustainable manner despite the Coronavirus disease (Covid) pandemic, according to a report from the City Media Bureau.
The SSP is a project undertaken with the support from the United States Agency for International Development-Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth and Equity (USAID-SURGE), Coca-Cola Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
According to the rapid retailer’s assessment conducted by the Philippine Association of Stores and Carenderia Owners (PASCO) from March to April 2020, some 42 percent of sari-sari stores and 75 percent of carenderias in the country were forced to close when the enhanced general community was imposed due to the Covid pandemic.
The micro-retailers in Tagbilaran City were not exempted from the closures. The strict health protocols related to the imposition of the general community quarantine limited the micro retailers and sari-sari store owners’ daily transactions resulting to decreased sales.
The SSP distributed to micro retailers and sari-sari store owners, safe store kits which includes plastic barriers.
With the plastic barriers, sari-sari store owners can continue with their livelihood in this new normal business environment, the City Media Bureau report bares.
Moreover, the SSP distributed the safe store kits to 200 women micro-retailers in Tagbilaran.
City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II emphasized the critical role of the sari-sari store in supplying the basic goods in the community.
“We need to find practical solutions to help our micro-retailers become more resilient both for the owners themselves and customers. We need pro-active efforts to combat the negative effects of this pandemic and seek ways to adopt to the new normal”, Yap said.
USAID’s SURGE Project Component Lead 3 Celso Enriquez stressed that reviving the economy by pushing for the recovery of the micro-enterprises is crucial.
“Most sari-sari store owners are run by women entrepreneurs. SSP is part of the Women’s Development and Global Initiative (WGDP) that is implemented in many countries including the Philippines which fosters women empowerment through capacity building and enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities. Helping these women entrepreneurs through the provision of the safe store kits is a much-needed boost”, Enriquez said.
Tagbilaran City’s First Lady Jane Yap also commended the initiative. Yap being the founder of Mutya Cares Foundation and Gugma Tagbilaran, is also a major advocate of women empowerment.
“As they [micro retailers and sari-sari store owners] re-open their sari-sari store, owners have to ensure their safety and that of their customers through the strict observance of strict health protocols. The safe store project is a unique opportunity to resume their businesses in a safe manner”, Jane Yap emphasized.
DTI Provincial Director Ma. Soledad Balistoy also praised the initiative as it encompasses the aim of the agency in empowering entrepreneurs.
“This partnership is truly a testament that we are one in restarting our recovery efforts towards building a better and resilient Philippines”, Balistoy added.