In my hometown of Maribojoc, I used to take my young son Aiken to a barber named Macario Igpit, who was a PSHF livelihood recipient in December 2022. However, when I visited his barber shop again in April this year, I learned that Macario had now moved to the neighboring town of Cortes, his hometown. I looked for another barber and my brother suggested Ray Vincent Pregunta (31), who lives in Barrio Sagmonan, just next to my place. Since then, my son has become his regular customer.

Seven years ago, Ray Vincent met Adelfa (27) when they were both employees in a salon called “Moley Boley”, in Tagbilaran city, Bohol’s capital. Ray Vincent is a barber whilst Adelfa is an all-around beautician. They started their relationship in 2018 and decided to live together. Now, they have two daughters: three-year old Maide and eight-month old Avery.

When I asked Ray Vincent what had been the toughest time in his family’s life, he recalled the pandemic period. When the health crisis broke out in March 2020, the couple’s work was greatly affected. Their employer ceased operations for six months and, even on re-opening, their working days were disrupted. Because of the prohibitions and quarantine rules, the salon hardly had any clients resulting in the management’s decision to reduce the number of work days. Employees had to take turns, so Ray Vincent and Adelfa only had three days of employment in a week. Moreover, in early 2021, Adelfa had to quit her job in the salon, as she was pregnant with their eldest child and her pregnancy was not straightforward. In order to make ends meet, during his days-off from the salon Ray Vincent worked with a neighbour making hollow blocks and in the evenings, he went fishing.

In October 2023, Ray Vincent decided to quit his job, as his workings days were still reduced and transportation was costly. Out of his last salary, he bought a pair of scissors, an electric hair trimmer and blade clippers and opened his own barber shop. For his working space, he occupies the terrace of his family home. He also provides home service for some clients, most of whom are senior citizens or people with disabilities (PWD). He charges 70 pesos ($1.20) for regular clients and gives a 10 peso discount to students, senior citizens and PWDs. Ray Vincent earns an average income of 10,000 pesos ($175) per month. This increases in peak seasons such as at the start of the academic year or prior to graduation ceremonies.

On my recent visit to Ray Vincent’s shop for my son’s haircut earlier this month, I fell into conversation with him. He has been hoping to buy a barber’s chair; he is currently using a small wooden round-chair but some medium-sized and larger clients complain that it is uncomfortable. I told him about my work with PSHF and that we might be able to help him. Ray Vincent was really interested in applying for a loan, so I decided to give him an orientation right there and then. He is now applying for a loan to buy a hydraulic barber chair with an adjustable footrest and seat height.

Ray Vincent has been a barber for almost 10 years and he enjoys his work. It enables him to use his expertise to provide a good service to his customers and provides an income to support his family. He and Adelfa wish to work again together. We are happy to help Ray Vincent improve his barbershop services and we wish him well.


Analyn T. Gallibot
PSHF Bohol
July 2024