SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- A total of P7 million livelihood projects were recently turned over to various  associations in the province of Surigao del Norte.

The livelihood grant is funded by the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) under the microenterprise development track (MDT) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga for the livelihood associations in the municipalities of Alegria, Bacuag, Claver Gigaquit, Placer, Mainit, San Francisco, Sison, Tagana-an, and Surigao City.

DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga explained that beneficiaries were identified and proposed by the SLP associations based on their community's needs and market.

“Along with the livelihood projects, we also handed over  certificates of accreditation to the program participants, recognizing them as civil society organizations eligible to implement programs and projects using DSWD funds after meeting all the set criteria and requirements,” the director said.

Rogelio, one of the members of the livelihood association and abeneficiary of the program from San Francisco town, said, ”Our group chose the livelihood of rice retailing and egg production to establish these primary retailing products in the community. Locals in our place don’t have to travel far to buy these prime commodities, as we are already here as their primary provider.”

“Thank you to the government, especially to DSWD and the provincial government, for helping us build a business and teaching us how to earn income and manage it well. We will try our best to take care of this business and let it grow so we can offer more products to our community,” he added.

Dir. Dollaga also  extended her utmost gratitude and appreciation to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers for the unwavering support and commitment shown by the province to the implementation of DSWD-SLP and other programs and services of the department. 

Dolloga commended the province for always being quick to respond and address the needs of the people of Surigao del Norte. 

Gov. Barbers, on the other hand, replied with assurance, stating, “The province will continue to extend a helping hand to all the endeavors of the DSWD and has committed to also grant incentives to the associations as encouragement for them to strive hard and ensure the sustainability of their livelihood projects.”

“DSWD Caraga and the province of Surigao del Norte will continue working closely to ensure that all poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged communities and households are served by its commitment to delivering quality service,” the solon said.

The SLP is a capability-building program that   aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable and marginalized sectors by providing capital seed funds, either for microenterprises or employment assistance.

Under the MDT scope of support, beneficiaries are association members with a qualifying age of 16 and above who will receive P15,000 each as capital assistance for their chosen livelihood. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DSWD-Caraga)