Over 9K Davao Region households benefit from DSWD livelihood program in 2023
In the fiscal year 2023, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) underwent significant enhancements to better address the dynamic needs of its participants, particularly those belonging to impoverished, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors. This involved a comprehensive revision of program implementation guidelines, spanning from pre-implementation to the mainstreaming stage.
Throughout Davao Region, the program successfully assisted a total of 6,638 participants in the calendar year, with 2,068 beneficiaries being part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS). This figure encompasses individuals referred to the program and those enrolled in special programs under SLP.
One notable special initiative was the Zero Hunger Program, a collaborative effort aiming to combat poverty by aligning the services of various national government agencies under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program. A total of 19 associations, benefiting 513 households, were involved in this program.
Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended its social protection services through SLP to ConflictVulnerable Areas (CVAs) and Former Rebels (FRs) returnees, aligning with the objectives outlined in Executive Order Number 70 (EO 70). In CVAs, 103 SLP Associations were established, serving a total of 2,519 households, while 87 Former Rebels received individual livelihood support across the region.
The overall implementation of EO 70 resulted in the provision of services to 2,606 participants, with 574 being 4Ps beneficiaries.
In its final tranche of implementation, the Payapa and Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program re-evaluated 110 SLP Associations (Community Peace Dividend (CPD) areas and PAMANA SLP Regular) that were previously served in 2017. After thorough validation, each association is expected to receive an additional grant of PHP 300,000.00.
PAMANA, a peace and development convergence program initiated in 2017, aims to address armed conflicts and injustices, improve community access to socio-economic interventions, and empower communities in handling issues of conflict and peace.
Another noteworthy program in 2023 was the Economic Rice Subsidy (ERS), designed to aid micro rice retailers and sari-sari store owners affected by the nationwide freezing of rice prices under Executive Order No. 39. In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the program supported 2,528 qualified micro-rice retailers in the region, concluding its assistance in October 2023.
Furthermore, SLP extended its reach beyond its traditional clientele, catering to eligible groups and individuals referred by various program partners, including other Offices, Bureaus, Services, and Units, National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Congressional Offices, Local Government Units, Office of the President through the 8888 Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, and other entities. A total of 15 eligible referrals were deemed qualified to receive the grant.
Continuing its commitment, the program provides ongoing technical assistance and supervision through vigilant monitoring of existing SLP Associations and beneficiaries, ensuring the sustainability of their projects.
DSWD XI recognizes outstanding SLP staff
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI – Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) recognized the dedication and efforts of outstanding field implementers and good practices of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) through the Pasigarbo sa Onse 2023 on December 5, 2023 at Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The activity was led by DSWD XI incoming Promotive Services Division Chief Merlinda A. Paragamac, along with SLP Regional Program Coordinator Raynel C. Ayungao.
Ms. Paragamac expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the field implementers of the program for their dedication and hard work that greatly contributed towards reaching SLP’s target. She also reiterated the importance of recognizing their contribution to uplift and inspire them to continue and do their best.
Moreover, loyalty awards were also given to staff who have served more than 10 years in SLP.
DSWD XI provides 10k livelihood grant each to 500 beneficiaries in Tarragona, DavOr
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, released livelihood capital to 313 program participants from Barangays Cabagayan and Central, Tarragona, Davao Oriental on December 14, 2023.
Each of the identified program participants received P10,000.00 each for their chosen livelihood.
A total of P5,000,000.00 worth of seed capital was disbursed.