Come to Saob Cave at Barangay Basiao, Basey in Samar where about 56 mat weavers toil daily from 8: 00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m. They are now back to their normal lives, when the DSWD thru its Sustainable Livelihood Program help them via this loan program which is interest free and non-collateral. As a result of Yolanda, their raw materials were washed out, sewing machines badly damaged, and their farms planted with “tikog” destroyed. DSWD granted them Php 10, 000.00 each, and forced savings and peer pressure are being employed under the said program. It’s not just capital assistance. DSWD teaches them business management skills and proper values.

Catalina Regahal, 65, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary says she has so much to thank for. Her two grandchildren are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya to aid them in their schooling, while the livelihood program keeps the family going. Media men, mostly from Manila, made a stop to this tourist site to see for themselves how these women are doing. Says Catalina, they choose to weave under this cave because “tikog” needs a cool place. The Saob Cave became a refuge for many folks of this community, with the storm surge brought by super typhoon Yolanda. The DSWD KALAHI CIDSS National Office organized the four-day tour.#