Livelihood
Women in rural Bohol during their banana chip production training
Women’s Banana Chip Businesses
L.I.F.E. For Health has spearheaded a project to assist the communities in Dagahoy, Pilar and Sierra Bullones, Bohol, Philippines. This project aims to create more livelihood opportunities through training in banana-chip production, packaging and marketing, a growing domestic and international market. The project began with a training program for 15 women who will then go on to train other women, benefitting more of the community over time. In late 2011, L.I.F.E. For Health began construction on a facility in Dagahoy where the women who have completed training can produce banana-chips in accordance with local good manufacturing practices, as well as package and ship the finished product to market.
Fisherman’s Co-operative
L.I.F.E. For Health founder, Dr. Nora Stephenson, spearheaded the creation of the Dauis Fisherman’s Co-op in Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol. During a trip to the island and after discussing with the local fisherman, Dr. Stephenson saw a need to create this co-op to enable the fisherman to take their daily catch directly to market. Without the co-op, the fisherman had to individually sell their catch to a middle man for less profit. L.I.F.E. For Health also built and electrified a hut for the fishermen to gather, as well as prepare their fish for market.