Cateel, Davao Oriental –At least 5782 family recipients of Pantawid Pamilya here will benefit from the livelihood assistance provided through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Municipal mayor Camilo T. Nuňez received the Php 20,506,191.00 cheque from DSWD project development officer Doreen T. Cañedo during a simple turnover ceremony at the municipal hall.

Also present at the turnover were Councilor Condrada R. Espiritouso, Executive Secretary to the Mayor Roy Mondares, and Pantawid Municipal Links Maefe Aileen G. Banudan, Paul A. Apiag, and Maybelle Sevilla.

Cañedo said the amount will fund community projects, namely; Enhanced Training on Chili Production and Food Processing, Establishment of Garments Shop, Enhanced Training on Drift Wood and Candle Holder Production, Enhanced Training on Peanut Production, Mud Crab Fattening in Wooden Cage, Cacao Production with Starter Kit, Corn Production, Mongo Production, Organic Chicken Raising (Sasso, Native, Basilan/Kabir), Hog Raising, Enhanced Training on Rice Production, Enhanced Training on Ginger Production, Establishment of Agro-Forestry, Enhanced Training on Upland Rice Production, and Goat Raising.

SLP is a capability building program that develops the entrepreneurial and socio-economic skills of poor households through income-generating opportunities and access to employment. It employs the Community Driven Enterprise Development principle that is market-driven, resource-based and culturally-sensitive.

Earlier, DSWD handed over Php 6,000,000.00 for chili and rice production, among others. Produce of which are now being enjoyed by recipient families, said Julius R. Duterte, DSWD Provincial Coordinator for SLP.

According to Duterte, SLP Davao Oriental is targeting another 1639 Pantawid Pamilya participants to be involved in Micro Enterprise Development and 880 to be accessed to employment with a total budget of Php 48,588,149.50.

The livelihood unit of DSWD vigorously pursues its thrust and direction of uplifting the lives of Pantawid Pamilya participants through provision of quality and sustainable source of living. It intensified its engagement with private and public partners, tapping their technical expertise in micro-entrepreneurial ventures as well as for employment opportunities. (DSWD)