Innovative Retailing: Uplifting the Lives of Basic Ecclesial Community in Camarines Sur, Philippines

This study was inspired by the persistence and strength of character of striving entrepreneurs in rural communities who strive to establish or let grow of their businesses. The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church considered Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) as a “New Way of Renewing the Church”, thus the researcher collaborates with Caritas Diocese of Libmanan (Inc.), the social action and development arm of the Diocese of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, which established the BEC-Based Integral Evangelization program. This aims to develop not only spiritual renewal but social and moral transformation as well, to broaden and sustain alternative Income Generating Project (IGPs) that will uplift the standard of living of its members. The BEC through Caritas Diocese of Libmanan is determined to concretize an innovative retailing through its BEC Retail Store (“Tindahannin SKK” - in local dialect) and Automated Teller Machine (ATM)/Credit Card. The BEC –ATM/Credit card) which will provide economic empowerment to its members as an alternative credit access in the procurement of basic goods and services, and as an alternative credit access in starting small businesses.