Barber Overcomes COVID Hurdles Through Pay-It-Forward Program

Yman was stuck. The 23-year-old was studying and working at a barber shop during COVID and it wasn’t going well. He couldn’t use public transportation to get to work or school. In fact, the barber shop was often closed in response to COVID restrictions.

Yman had an idea. Why not do a home barber service instead? He would need a different form of transportation to make it work.

Enter Cycles For Life

Yman’s fortunes changed dramatically thanks to the gift of a motorcycle through the “Cycles For Life” program, the brainchild of ER’s Joshua Benavidez. The program presents a cycle to a person in need, who then pays for a cycle for the next participant out of his earnings. After receiving his motorcycle, Yman was able to get to his customers’ homes despite the pandemic.

So while many barbers lost their source of income during the pandemic, Yman earned money by providing in-home service. According to Yman, his hair-cutting skills would not matter if not for his motorcycle.

Yman dreams of becoming a police officer someday. He is cutting hair to fund his schooling and he only has one year left to finish his education. Thanks to the motorcycle project, he is closer to his dream than ever.

​Joshua is proud of Yman and the other eight participants who are pursuing careers thanks to the program. “Cycles For Life helps individuals be productive, regain self-esteem and be able to dream again by giving them a motorcycle they can use to earn a decent income.”

In less than two years, the Cycle For Life project introduced in 2019 has blossomed into something special. Starting with one donated bike and one recipient, this pay-it-forward program now has nine participants! See all nine participants and their bikes by clicking the the slideshow below.

Learn about ER’s Life Skills & Livelihood Training programs here.

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Roldan Pays-it-Forward

By Joshua Benavidez, Asia Region Director

November 30, 2019

Roldan grew up in an urban poor community right at the center of business of Metro Manila in a city called Makati. Makati is known for its high rise buildings, financial establishments and big corporation offices. But that is just a small portion of the city. A good chunk of it are people living below the poverty line.

Roldan and his family fit in that category. Growing up, he tried to help in whatever way he could to earn income for his family. But to no avail. Those with good education can’t get a good and high paying job. So it’s nearly impossible for someone like him who only finished primary schooling to even find any menial jobs. He always feels inferior and feels that no one wants to be his friend because of his deficiencies. Meanwhile those whom he considers friends have something to show for themselves and so he feels he doesn’t belong. Poor decision making and bad mistakes led him to lose a side job he had. He felt so dejected, depressed and even angry upon himself.

That’s the time he realized that he may have lost everything but he still has one thing left – his motorcycle. The motorcycle was given to him with the idea that he will repay the cost so that the money from that will be used to buy another motorcycle. Then another one will have the chance to earn a living and the cycle of giving and repaying continues.

He started focusing on using the motorcycle to earn a living. But then the pandemic hits Metro Manila. Everything shuts down. No one can leave his or her house without a special permit. Roldan never loses hope.  At the very start of the loosening of the quarantine, he immediately went to work. First as a delivery person for any kinds of delivery.  He also went to work for a restaurant that offers food deliveries. Then, almost like a flip of a switch, while many businesses are closing down, delivery services are booming. Because Roldan was one of those who jumped at the first opportunity to offer delivery service, people call him for their delivery needs. It’s like catching a wave, every day, he would have a full day, bringing good earnings for him.

He even said that he could not believe that he would earn a lot during the pandemic. He took the chance because that’s the only thing he had left and he is thankful to God that God blessed the works of his hands. With the money he earns, he is able to repay the motorcycle and even take good care of his motorcycle. He has a monthly tune up scheduled for the motorcycle and he has bought many accessories needed for his job.

Also, he is now able to give money to his mom to pay rent and buy the needs of their family. For the first time he feels so good about himself. He is now productive, able to contribute and be a big help to his family. Also because of that, he no longer feels inferior. Not in a proud or boastful way, he feels that he has something to show for himself being the bread winner of his family. His self-esteem increased but he remains grounded and focused on what he needs to do. On the other hand, in a matter of three months, he was able to pay almost one-third of what was given to him to buy the motorcycle. In another 12 months, as he continues to be faithful and diligent to pay his dues, we will be able to buy another motorcycle which will be awarded to a waiting beneficiary. Like him this person will now have a chance not just to earn a good living but regain their self-esteem and dignity.

On top of it all, Roldan never forgets to give to God whom he sees as the One who is blessing him right now. He is one of the faithful givers in the church although regular worship services was suspended since the third week of March 2020. His outlook and perspective in life has improved also. He feels more secured and at the same time he sees a brighter future ahead of him. He is truly enjoying now the ride of his life.

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