A Visit to Maning-Mani Beneficiaries

From Training to Transformation: Zonta Follows Up on “Maning-Mani” Livelihood Beneficiaries

Creating sustainable opportunities for women goes beyond providing training—it means ensuring that knowledge is transformed into lasting economic empowerment. As part of its continuing commitment to women’s development, Zonta recently conducted a follow-up visit to beneficiaries of its “Maning-Mani” Peanuts Livelihood Project to witness how participants have successfully applied their newly acquired skills in generating income for their families.

Led by Club President Shirley Licup, the monitoring visit included four beneficiaries: Luzmarie Macaraig, a 57-year-old widow with one child; Celestine Bunao, a mother of four; Mylene Pajarillo, a 47-year-old married mother of two; and Rufina Mesias. The visits provided an opportunity to assess the project’s impact, encourage the women entrepreneurs, and celebrate their resilience as they continue to build sustainable livelihoods through their peanut vending businesses.

Among the most inspiring stories was that of Luzmarie Macaraig, whose life changed unexpectedly after the passing of her husband. Drawing strength from the skills she learned through the project, she established a small peanut-selling business near a local school, allowing her to earn a steady income and support her family’s daily needs. With gratitude, she shared, “Buti na lang naturuan ninyo ako kung paano magluto ng pang-tindang mani. Nagkaroon ako ng income sa pamamagitan ng pagtitinda sa tabi ng eswelahan. Mabuti at naturuan ninyo ako ng isang negosyo na pinagkukuhanan ko ngayon ng gastusin sa araw-araw.” (“I am thankful that you taught me how to prepare peanuts for selling. I now earn an income by selling near a school. This small business has become my source of daily expenses.”)

Her story reflects the true impact of the Maning-Mani Livelihood Project—not simply teaching a livelihood, but restoring hope, dignity, and self-reliance. Through initiatives like this, Zonta continues to empower women with practical skills, economic opportunities, and the confidence to overcome life’s challenges. Each success story is a testament to the organization’s mission of building stronger families and communities by investing in the potential of women, one livelihood at a time.