A total of P21.6 million has been turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 37 associations covered under its Sustainable Livelihood Program in the Caraga region, and another P8 million cash assistance for 554 individual beneficiaries.
The financial assistance, along with 18 three-wheeled vehicles locally known as ‘bao-bao’, were turned over at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad town, last Oct. 16.
DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is the department’s capacity-building initiative that aims to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of poor and marginalized families through skills training, enterprise development, and resource support.
Jean Paul Parajes, DSWD assistant regional director for operations, said the livelihood assistance served as an investment in the beneficiaries’ capacity to achieve long-term economic stability.
‘This DSWD-SLP livelihood assistance is more than just a grant-it is a solid step toward building your economic resilience and unlocking new growth opportunities,’ Parajes said during a ceremony attended by DSWD Caraga, local government officials, and leaders of livelihood associations.
He reminded recipients to ensure the sustainability of their projects as he thanked local government units and partner agencies for their support in implementing the program.
DSWD Caraga did not specify the different livelihood activities the beneficiaries were engaged in, but Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., suggested several income-generating activities, including egg and vegetable production.
Rep. Adolph Edward G. Plaza of Agusan del Sur’s 2nd District encouraged beneficiaries to manage their businesses responsibly and highlighted the importance of monitoring to sustain operations.
‘Agriculture-related livelihoods are vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards. Sustaining and growing a business requires study, research, and discipline,’ Plaza said.
He said he would reward outstanding livelihood associations after one year with P150,000 for the top-performing group, P100,000 for the second, and P75,000 for the third.
The three-wheeled vehicles distributed to some SPLAs also hoped to expand their business operations and reduce their transportation costs.
Among the beneficiaries, Angelito Apolo, president of the Asenso Poblacion SLPA in Bayugan City, thanked the government for the assistance.
‘Before, I earned little because I had to pay rent for my tricycle. Now, that rental cost that I would no longer be paying becomes additional income for my family,’ Apolo said. DSWD officials said they would continue monitoring and mentoring SLPAs to help them sustain their enterprises and contribute to the local economy./coa