DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 allocated a P3,000,000 Seed Capital Fund (SCF) to support various livelihood projects for 12 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPA) from Bayambang, Pangasinan.
Each SLPA consisted of five members, benefiting a total of 60 individuals.
The SCF aims to support beneficiaries in this training program in establishing livelihoods that match their skills, interests, and career goals.
The funds received will help start livelihoods, such as by purchasing equipment and supplies or by expanding operations.
Additionally, recipients will undergo financial literacy and leadership development sessions, with duration depending on the program, to equip them with essential skills to manage finances and lead their ventures effectively for long-term success.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Specialized Programs under the Operations Group Florentino Loyola Jr. and DSWD Region 1 Director Marie Angela Gopalan led the awarding of funds on November 12 at the Balon Bayambang Events Center during the 5th SLP Congress, themed “Bagong Pagsibol Tungo sa Mayabong na Bukas,” which concluded on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The SLP aimed to reduce poverty by offering more than just financial assistance. It focused on empowering individuals with essential tools to improve their quality of life by providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to uplift the livelihoods of marginalized and vulnerable sectors in society,” said Loyola, encouraging everyone to continue striving, think innovatively, and help one another to build a stronger community.
Willet Joy Briones, together with the members of Amiga Grocers SLPA in Barangay San Vicente, received P230,400 to support and enhance their livelihood.
Briones shared that through the training, they learned how to grow their money and how to build good relationships with people.
She said they are now ready and excited to start their livelihood through the SCF by setting up a store that will sell soft drinks, rice, and other goods.
“Masaya po kami dahil isa kami sa mga barangay dito sa Bayambang na napili bilang benepisyaryo. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin upang magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan. Maraming salamat po sa DSWD, at sana po ay marami pa silang matulungan na katulad namin,” Briones said.
(We are very happy because we are one of the barangays here in Bayambang chosen as beneficiaries. This is a great help to us in establishing a livelihood. Thank you very much to the DSWD, and we hope they will be able to assist more people like us.)
Juliet Cayabyab, together with the members of SV Consumers SLPA in Brgy. San Vicente, also received P230,400 to establish their sari-sari store.
“Mahaba at maraming proseso ang dinaanan namin para makapasok dito. Nag-umpisa kami noong Mayo at natapos nitong Nobyembre, pero marami naman kaming natutunan mula sa proseso hanggang sa training,” Cayabyab said, expressing the gratitude of the SV Consumers members to DSWD.
(We went through a long and tedious process to be part of this program. We started in May and finished in November, but we learned a lot from the process all the way to the training.)
Other SLPA recipients include:
- Rice on the Go in Brgy. Amancosiling received P150,000
- Sari-Sari Savers in Brgy. Sancagulis received P161,700
- Hacienda Dos Agri Supply in Brgy. Tanolong received P180,000
- Pangdel Gen Solutions in Brgy. Pangdel received P210,000
- Parte Sale Traders in Brgy. Manambong Parte received P230, 400
- Blessed General Merchandise in Brgy. Pangdel received P240,000
- Happy MP Traders in Brgy. Manambong Parte received P262,800
- Rice and Shine in Brgy. Manambong received P279,300
- Omni Choice Mart in Brgy. Batangcaoa received P405,000
- Golden Star Traders in Brgy. Banaban received P420,000
The amount received depends on the proposal submitted in the DSWD’s SLP and the livelihood that the beneficiaries plan to establish.
Gopalan stated that the DSWD is working with local government units (LGUs) to assess SLP beneficiaries using an LGU checklist in each barangay, with a primary focus on the poorest of the poor.
Meanwhile, the 5th SLP Congress empowered local communities through various livelihood opportunities and programs.
The event showcased a product exhibit of 45 merchants from the Ilocos region, displayed at the Old Bayambang Central School, where residents enjoyed a wide variety of locally made products such as food delicacies, handicrafts, and clothing, among others.
The congress also included the lighting of the Sibol Arch, the Magana at Likhang Maraya Fashion Show, live selling of products, and forums attended by town residents.
These activities encouraged participants to build networks, collaborate with both the government and private sectors, and develop small livelihoods as a pathway to sustainable income. (AMB/JCDR/KLTD/PIA Pangasinan)
