PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Cluster 6 recently distributed livelihood kits to 17 beneficiaries, including four Friends Rescued (FRs) and 13 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This pioneering initiative empowers vulnerable groups and supports their journey toward economic stability and self-sufficiency.
The livelihood kits, which include sari-sari store packages, hog-raising materials, fruit stalls, and rice retailing supplies, were tailored to match the specific proposals of each beneficiary. Pacito Dalumos, an FR beneficiary, shared his heartfelt gratitude.
“Dako kaayo ko og kalipay nga naapil ko aning maong kalihokan sa gobyerno. Nakita nako nga atong gobyerno aduna gyud tabang ngadto sa mga tawong sama namo nga pobre, kabus, nga nagpuyo sa bukid,” he said.
(I am very happy to be included in this government initiative. I can see that our government provides help to people like us who are poor and less fortunate, living in the mountains.)
For Rolando Bongcawil, an IDP from barangay White Beach, the hog-raising livelihood kit is a life-changing opportunity.
“Nalipay kaayo kong dako kay kini dako ng tabang para sa akong panginabuhi,” he shared.
(I am very happy because this is a big help for my livelihood.)
The program also included Enterprise Development Training which focuses on entrepreneurial mindset and business planning, to ensure the sustainability of the beneficiaries’ ventures. Beneficiaries committed to using the livelihood kits responsibly and actively participating in future entrepreneurship and community development programs.
Program Development Officer V Jorry E. Padayogdog highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative.
“This program is a significant step in transforming the lives of our beneficiaries. It’s not just about providing financial assistance; it’s about equipping them with resources and skills to promote self-sufficiency and active community participation,” he stated.
The Livelihood Seeding Program aligns with Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which underscores the government’s mandate to provide comprehensive support for senior citizens. This includes addressing the needs of those affected by conflict and displacement by offering livelihood opportunities, ensuring their economic and social inclusion, and fostering their overall well-being.
NCSC reaffirms its commitment to inclusive development and the welfare of marginalized groups by empowering FRs and IDPs with sustainable livelihood opportunities. (EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
