From Grant to Growth: Food Carts that Restore Dignity and Hope for Solo Parents

On December 19, 2025, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong-Biyaya successfully delivered three (3) complete food cart livelihood packages to three solo parent families in Marikina City, signifying the full and proper implementation of the Food Cart For Free Project under an approved Rotary District Grant.

The project was implemented in partnership with the National Council for Solo Parents Inc., with Redd de Guzman, Secretary General, serving as the primary community contact. Beneficiaries were carefully screened and selected from qualified solo parent members within the Metro Manila area, ensuring transparency, credibility, and alignment with community needs.

A Strategic Investment in Livelihood

The initiative was approved with a District Fund allocation of ₱39,900.00. This approval underscored the confidence placed in the club’s capacity to manage grant resources responsibly and translate them into measurable, sustainable outcomes. Rather than providing short-term assistance, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong-Biyaya focused on long-term livelihood development, converting grant support into income-generating micro-enterprises.

Each beneficiary received a complete food cart livelihood package, consisting of:

 • A food cart

 • Two-layer steamer

 • Stove burner with regulator

 • Acrylic juice container

 • Initial inventory of siomai, gulaman, and lemonade

Empowering Carefully Selected Solo Parents

The beneficiaries—Caressa Amor Arrobang, Xandra L. Sabares, and Jeda Roslin Dominguez—are solo parents from Marikina City, selected through a structured qualification process. Selection criteria emphasized:

 • Availability of a strategic roadside or high-foot-traffic location

 • Presence of a family member who can assist in operating the cart to ensure business continuity

 • Demonstrated commitment to entrepreneurship and long-term sustainability

All beneficiaries completed a business operations and financial literacy seminar, equipping them with essential competencies in food handling, customer service, pricing, inventory management, and basic financial control.

Built for Sustainability, Not Dependency

Aligned with Rotary’s Area of Focus on Community Economic Development, the Food Cart For Free Project was designed with sustainability as a core principle. Beneficiaries undergo weekly monitoring during the first three months, followed by a formal assessment of business performance. Regular mentoring and monthly check-ins enable early intervention, guidance, and continuous improvement.

To further support long-term success, the project encourages:

 • Reinvestment of earnings into inventory replenishment

 • Peer support through structured group communication

 • Continued mentorship from Rotarians and partner networks

Service Above Self in Action

Through this initiative, a modest district grant was transformed into hope, dignity, and opportunity—empowering solo parents to generate income, support their families, and remain actively present in their children’s lives. The project demonstrates the impact achievable when Rotary clubs, community partners, and responsible grant stewardship work together toward a shared purpose.

From grant to growth, from assistance to empowerment—this is Service Above Self in action.

Written by: Good President Karl Landico, Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Biyaya