PAYATAS, Quezon City — Last December, as part of its community transformation program, Operation Blessing gave out small-scale businesses to four mothers in Payatas so they can provide for their children’s needs.

These are mothers whose children are enrolled in OB’s Bless-a-Child program, providing kids with nutritious meals, free education, and proper healthcare.

Mirasol Gaurano and Moriel Ibardaloza received a sack of rice for retail each. Both of them were grateful because they now have something productive to do aside from taking care of their children.

Sheryl Pantaleon also received a sack of rice, plus two sacks of charcoal that she can sell. Her husband, who works as a part-time construction worker for irregular pay, will be happy to learn of her new microenterprise.

“I thank God and Operation Blessing for this small business. I can now help my husband, as well as have a regular income for my family,” said Sheryl.

Evelyn Andares herself bought the dried fish in Divisoria a day before OB officially turned it over to her. A mother of three kids, she used to work as a manicurist, earning at most P300 a day. But because Evelyn is breastfeeding her youngest, she’s not able to work the whole day.

“When my earnings are already enough to buy us food for the day, I’ll stop working so that I can attend to my children, especially to my youngest,” she said.

Evelyn’s husband Vic is suffering from asthma, and this is an additional burden to the family. Vic is unable to do rigorous work unless he has his medicines, which at times they cannot afford.

“I really thank God for what I received today. Indeed this will be a great help for us,” Evelyn told OB. “In this business, I have a better chance of making a larger profit, plus I can save money and buy my husband’s medicines, and in turn he can help me in making income for the family.”

Evelyn added: “Thank you so much for the people who made this possible, and I’ll pray to God to help us in making this business progressive, so that I can help others who are also in need.”