DMCI Homes’ Kaakbay Supports Bataan Capiz-Makers

Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes, through its “Kaakbay” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, continues to reach out to communities hardest hit by the coronavirus health crisis to provide them support in recovering from the pandemic.

Last December, DMCI Homes extended financial assistance to the Orani Suhay Foundation, Inc. to help the group generate livelihood opportunities for capiz-makers in Bataan province.

The foundation was founded by the late Engr. David M. Consunji who wanted to give back to his hometown by creating livelihood opportunities through the use of capiz shells (windowpane oysters) which are native to Orani.

Since 2018, Suhay’s scholarship program has supported 230 students who have completed their university degrees and their professional board exam accreditations. The foundation’s Sulong Samaleño Ugnayan Sa Wagas na Kabuhayan (SSUWAK) livelihood program has also provided training, equipment, and financial assistance to those seeking employment in Bataan by teaching them traditional Capiz shell handicrafts.

Like most industries, however, capiz handicraft makers and suppliers in the towns of Orani, Samal, and Hermosa also took a hit from the lockdowns due to the pandemic, resulting in the loss of their livelihood.

Ronaldo Dela Cruz, Orani Suhay Foundation Creative Director, said they restarted operations gradually in May 2021, creating decorative items such as lampshades, pineapple table lamps, chandeliers, and wall tiles as well as seasonal items like Christmas lanterns.

“Through our Sulong Samaleño Ugnayan Sa Wagas na Kabuhayan’ program, we have taught around 15 Samaleños how to make capiz decorations to help them generate income,” Dela Cruz said.

“With the help of our patrons, we hope to expand operations in 2022 to create more livelihood opportunities here in Bataan especially for those who were displaced by the pandemic,” he added.

Some of the capiz ornaments made by Orani Suhay Foundation, Inc.

Carlo Gahol, DMCI Homes Corporate Communications Manager, said supporting the endeavors of Suhay is one of the company’s initiatives of helping communities and industries hardest hit by the pandemic.

“For the past year, our CSR initiatives have focused on helping communities and industries recover from the pandemic by supporting sustainable livelihood programs for various beneficiaries,” Gahol said of DMCI Homes’ umbrella CSR program “Kaakbay” which aims to foster good relations with the communities where the company operates and bring forth social activities beneficial to the Filipino society.

“This 2022, we hope to sustain our efforts by reaching out to more beneficiaries with the help of the residents of our condominium communities who are also tirelessly helping their neighbor communities through their own donation drives and outreach initiatives,” he continued.

Apart from creating decorative items such as lampshades, pineapple table lamps, chandeliers, and Christmas lanterns, Orani Suhay Foundation, Inc. also started producing wall tiles for living rooms and bedrooms last year.

To learn more about Orani Suhay Foundation, call +63 (047) 810 3736 or email hello@oranisuhay.org.