ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed seed capital to 12 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) during a ceremony held at the Dao Sports Complex in Pagadian City.

The 12 SLPAs from the municipalities of Tukuran, Tambulig, Labangan, and Pagadian City received allocations ranging from P225,000 to P450,000 per association. The total disbursement amounted to over P4.7 million, intended to benefit 320 individuals participating in the program.

Norgina Bago, head of Iranun Women's Da'wa Association SLP from Labangan, expressed gratitude for the support extended by the provincial government and the DSWD.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa provincial government at sa DSWD po na laging tumutulong sa amin. Malaking tulong na po ito para sa amin at pinapangako naming iingatan ito at palalaguin," Bago said.

(We express our gratitude to the provincial government and the DSWD for always helping us. This is a big help for us, and we promise to take care of it and nurture it.)

Similarly, Pagkaka Women's SLPA appreciated the efforts of local leaders in securing funding at the national level. The association outlined its plans to utilize the allocated funds effectively, with a focus on rice retailing.

“Dapat ayuhon gyud ni pag-manage kay talagsa lang ang opportunity. Tininood gyud para muangat gyud ang kinabuhi sa mga miyembro,” Muhaiya Pua, the association’s program coordinator," said.

(This needs to be managed well because opportunities like this are rare. It must be done intentionally to uplift the lives of the members.)

Before the turnover of funds, beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive orientation session, exploring the details of the SLP, its different tracks, and the essential aspects of a five-year sustainability plan. This preparatory session aimed to reinforce the commitment of the 12 SLPAs towards achieving long-term success in their respective endeavors.