Monthly Archives: April 2026

MARIKINA CITY – The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II proudly champions the success of the Maning-Mani Livelihood Training Program, a transformative initiative that turned simple peanut preparation into a powerful vehicle for women’s empowerment, family resilience, and community-based enterprise. Spearheaded by Zonta Club President Shirley Licup and her 20 dedicated members, the training was held on November 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM on the 4th floor of the Marikina City Legislative Building. President Licup invited Julie Apali to serve as the program’s trainer and inspiration—a living testament to the very empowerment Zonta seeks to spread. Julie Apali is a symbol of women empowerment and resilience. She single-handedly raised seven children and put them all through school. Today, all seven have graduated and are gainfully employed. One of the key tools behind her success? Her peanut business. Through the Maning-Mani training, she shared not only her technical skills in peanut preparation, cooking, and packaging but also her personal story of perseverance, proving that small livelihoods can lead to life-changing outcomes. The 34 carefully selected indigent participants—representing all 16 barangays of Marikina City—learned directly from Julie’s hands-on instruction, gaining both practical know-how and the courage to begin their own journeys toward financial independence. “Zonta has always stood for uplifting women and creating sustainable change,” said President Shirley Licup. “This program is not just about peanuts—it’s about planting seeds of dignity, capability, and financial independence. And having Julie Apali with us shows our participants that success is possible, no matter how hard the starting point.” The Club’s collaboration with Hon. Carl Africa, Marikina City Councilor, further strengthened the program’s reach and impact. However, it was President Licup’s vision and the unwavering commitment of Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II members that turned the workshop into a full-cycle livelihood solution. At the close of the session, each of the 34 trainees received a complete start-up kit—including raw materials, packaging, and small capital—enabling them to launch their peanut-selling ventures in local communities and public markets immediately. This hands-on support reflects the Club’s core mission: empowering women and families not through temporary aid, but through sustainable, income-generating opportunities. For the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, the Maning-Mani project is more than a training—it is a testament to what women-led community action can accomplish. Under President Shirley Licup’s guidance, the Club continues to turn small beginnings into lasting change, one empowered household at a time.