In 2018, their aspirations took shape when they formed the Samahang SLP Association. With a grant of P300,000.00 in seed capital, they opened a General Merchandise business, equipped with the skills they gained from capacity-building training.

However, the journey was far from easy. The association faced significant challenges in its first year, from disputes over their rented space to internal conflicts among members. Despite these problems, the members were determined to succeed. With the guidance of DSWD staff and the unwavering support of barangay officials, they managed these difficulties, learned to work together, and gradually began to find their footing.

In 2020, just as they were gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing their operations to a sudden halt. Their products were damaged, and many members of the association fell ill. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of the association remained unbroken.

By 2022, after the peak of the pandemic, the association was ready to rebuild. With over P190,000.00 in bank savings, they consulted their barangay captain and DSWD staff, determined to restart their project. They held a re-election of new officials, and in September 2022, they reopened their store, symbolizing their resilience and hope.

Their perseverance paid off when they received an additional P600,000.00 (2nd and 3rd tranche) in funding from DSWD. This financial boost allowed them to purchase a lot for their shop and expand into new ventures, including rice retailing, agri-vet supplies, and a meat shop—a step closer to becoming a one-stop shop for their community. With regular monitoring and support from DSWD staff, the association not only reopened but thrived, meeting the growing needs of their community. Today, the association generates an impressive average income of P6,000.00 to P9,000.00 daily.

The story of the Samahang SLP Association is also a story of peace. The association’s success has contributed to maintaining peace in Barangay Sampao, a community previously identified as a conflict-vulnerable area in Davao del Norte. Through their hard work and collaboration, the members of the association have not only improved their livelihoods but have also helped to stabilize and uplift their community.

“Malaki ang aming pasasalamat sa DSWD, na isa sa mga nakapagbigay ng malaking pagbabago at tulong sa amin, kasama na ang aming lokal na pamahalaan. Plano pa namin na palakihin pa ang aming proyekto, lalo na sa pagbebenta ng feeds. Asahan ninyo na aming pangangalagaan at pauunlarin ang kapital at proyekto na ibinigay ng DSWD-SLP PAMANA sa amin. [We are very grateful to DSWD, which has brought significant change and assistance to us, along with our local government. We plan to further expand our project, especially in selling feeds. You can expect that we will take good care of and develop the capital and project provided to us by DSWD-SLP PAMANA.]” – Cirilo P. Anuber, Jr., SLP Association President.

Sampao Barangay Captain Hon. Arnufa A. Vitalmos also extends her appreciation to DSWD-SLP for providing livelihood opportunities to their community. She assures that the barangay council will continue to support and assist the Department in monitoring the association’s progress.

This initiative aligns with the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, a peace and development initiative that addresses armed conflicts, improves socio-economic access, and empowers communities to manage issues of conflict and peace. Barangay Sampao now stands as a testament to the positive impact of such programs on local communities.

Through resilience and the pursuit of peace, the Samahang SLP Association has not only transformed their own lives but has also contributed to the stability and growth of their entire barangay. Their story is one of hope, determination, and the power of unity in the face of adversity.