By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, SR.
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has distributed financial assistance and corporate tri-wheeled vehicles to 37 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) and 554 individual beneficiaries in Agusan del Sur.
The turnover ceremony was held on October 16 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. It was attended by DSWD Caraga officials, local government representatives, and livelihood association leaders, a report by Philippine Information Agency-Caraga Region posted in their website.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a capacity-building initiative of the DSWD that aims to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of poor and marginalized families through skills training, enterprise development, and resource support.
Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes said the livelihood assistance serves 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 the ceremony.
He reminded recipients to ensure the sustainability of their projects and thanked local government units and partner agencies for their support in implementing the program.
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.
The lawmaker announced an incentive program to reward outstanding livelihood associations after one year, with ₱150,000 for the top-performing group, ₱100,000 for the second, and ₱75,000 for the third.
Several SLPAs also received corporate tri-wheeled vehicles to help expand their business operations and reduce transportation costs.
One of the beneficiaries, Angelito Apolo, president of the Asenso Poblacion SLPA in Bayugan City, expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“Before, I earned little because I had to pay rent for my tricycle. Now, that rental cost becomes additional income for my family,” Apolo said.
DSWD officials said they will continue monitoring and mentoring SLPAs to help them sustain their enterprises and contribute to the local economy.
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