Tagum City (DSWD XI) -“Blessing nga regular nako diri sa akong ginatrabahuan kay mapanindot na namo ni Mama among balay,” Queny G. Renegado, 23, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary and now a regular cashier at the New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) Mall of Tagum, is grateful that the intervention of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has helped her be where she is now.

Through the program’s Pre-Employment Assistance Fund (PEAF), Queny was not only given Php 5,000 to help secure the necessary requirements for employment, but was also equipped with the Basic Employment Skills Training which aims to capacitate SLP participants before landing in their chosen jobs.

The program does not only provide assistance to those who want to venture out in micro-enterprise businesses but also those who simply want to work for a sustainable livelihood.

The DSWD together with other government agencies like the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) alongside with the different private institutions having the same vision have tirelessly exerted all efforts to help reduce unemployment within the region.

“Sauna gasalig ra mi sa gamay nga tindahan ni Mama, karon ako makahatag na pud niya,” Queny earns Php 360.00 a day and has been a regular employee since February of this year. “Pwede nako mu-loan ug ma-enjoy na nako ang benefits sa usa ka regular nga employee.”

Queny is only one of the many SLP participants who have benefited with the PEAF intervention of the program.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a community-based capacity building effort that seeks to improve the beneficiaries’ socio-economic status through Micro-Enterprise Development and Employment Facilitation. (DSWD)