Davao City (DSWD XI) -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) conducted its first ever SLP Kabuhayan Fair at People’s Park, Palma Gil last December 7, Friday.

The provinces in the region, together with their respective program participants, showcased their products during the fair with the purpose of not only informing the external and internal stakeholders about the program, but to transform them as advocates for the same.

The Kabuhayan Fair featured booths that were made from indigenous materials that represent their respective provinces. The winner for the Best Booth Design was the province of Davao del Norte headed by SLP Provincial Coordinator Dexter M. Lara, and runners-up for the same were the province of Compostela Valley and the cluster of Davao City.

Among the products displayed during the fair were bags weaved from romblon leaves from Davao del Sur, handwoven mats from Davao del Norte, indigenous accessories by the Matigsalug tribe of Davao City, jewelry from Compostela Valley, nito products from Davao Occidental, and some sweetened candies from Davao Oriental. Davao del Norte’s black rice brew with moringa bagged the Most Innovative Product during the fair.

Mr. Romeo Vasquez, Jr. Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI XI, Ms. Marian Comilang, Executive Director of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc., and Mr. Rolando Torres, Executive Director of the Mindanao Business Council were also present as keynote speakers during the Kabuhayan Forum in the afternoon.

“Today, we celebrate the successes of our program participants in the SLP. We are grateful that their stories of growth speak volume of the effect of the program to the community that they belong,” Merlinda A. Paragamac, Chief of Promotive Services Division, DSWD, said in her opening remarks.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program aims to provide access to resources that will improve productivity of the participants’ already existing livelihood. It is open to every Filipino family especially the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged. (DSWD)