AT least 10 Aeta beneficiaries from nearby communities of Clark Freeport recently received livelihood from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC). The beneficiaries, called soap smiths, received P8,000 worth of materials and ingredients to start their soap-making business. In her message, DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio said they will assist the beneficiaries not only on how to start their business but also on managing and sustaining it. “Through the program, the ten designated soap smiths will produce soaps in different shapes and scents from the natural ingredients that can be grown and found in their localities. They will also be organized into a formal group to ensure the continuity of the project,” she said. CDC, on the other hand, will provide the beneficiaries an area for their soap production, as well as identification cards, meals, and transportation allowance during their scheduled activities. “We envision this project to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship for small and medium enterprises. At the same time, this will also usher in more opportunities to meet the supply and demand needs of locators in this Freeport,” CDC President Noel Manankil said. Earlier this year, 50 Aeta trainees completed a soap-making training program initiated by CDC and DTI where participants were taught to make soap out of natural elements such as turmeric, oatmeal, malunggay, and guava, among others.
