DSWD turns over P29M worth of livelihood assistance to Agusan Sur beneficiaries
By NiΓ±a Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a significant move to boost local livelihood efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has turned over financial assistance and corporate tri-wheeled vehicles to 37 sustainable livelihood program associations (SLPAs) and 554 individual beneficiaries in Agusan del Sur.
The ceremonial turnover was held on October 16 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, marking a key milestone in the region’s ongoing pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a capacity-building initiative of DSWD aimed at enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals, families, and communities in the country. Rooted in the principles of community-driven development, the program seeks to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to achieve sustainable and dignified livelihoods.
During the ceremonial turnover, DSWD Caraga officials emphasized the agency’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable and inclusive livelihood interventions.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Parajes highlighted the transformative potential of the assistance provided, underscoring that the support extended goes beyond financial aid—it represents an investment in the beneficiaries’ long-term capacity to uplift their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“To our beneficiaries, this is your day. This DSWD-SLP livelihood assistance is more than just a grant—it is a solid step toward building your economic resilience and unlocking new opportunities for growth,” said Parajes.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to take care of the livelihood assistance awarded to them to ensure its sustainability and the continuous income generation of the respective SLPAs. “We also thank our LGU officials and other stakeholders for working hand-in-hand with DSWD in promoting our sustainable livelihood programs to our communities in our shared goal of uplifting the lives of our citizens.”
Despite the promising opportunities presented by livelihood grants, many SLPAs continue to face significant challenges in sustaining and scaling their enterprises. “The strict monitoring of the business continuity being run by SLPAs is very important,” said Congressional Representative Adolph Edward G. Plaza of the 2nd District of Agusan del Sur.
Rep. Plaza also shared with the beneficiaries the challenges faced by different businesses, especially agriculture-related livelihoods, which are susceptible to natural and man-made hazards. This is to give caution to the SLPAs that sustaining and growing a business is not an easy task, but requires extensive study and research.
Internally, some SLPAs grapple with issues in group dynamics, financial mismanagement, and insufficient long-term planning. These challenges underscore the need for sustained mentorship, market linkage support, and continued capacity-building interventions to ensure that livelihood projects evolve from subsistence operations into resilient, income-generating enterprises.
As such, he reminded the beneficiaries that the substantial amount of livelihood assistance is indeed a blessing that must not be wasted. And so, the beneficiaries must do their share of hard work in developing such opportunities and not just leave the business decisions to their leaders alone.
We are excited to see, one year from now, the sustained and successful businesses of SLPAs. And so, I will pledge to reward these businesses with P150,000 for the most successful, and P100,000, and P75,000 for the 2nd and 3rd runner up,” he enthusiastically shared.
As part of the continuing efforts to enhance the mobility and productivity of organized livelihood groups, selected SLPAs also received corporate tri-wheeled vehicles during the turnover ceremony. These vehicles are intended to support various microenterprise activities—providing beneficiaries with a tangible asset to boost their income-generating capacity. For many, the assistance marks a turning point in their livelihoods, relieving them of costly operational burdens and opening up new possibilities for financial stability.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive this kind of help. From the small profit I make daily as a tricycle driver, since I still have to pay my vehicle’s rental, now, the rental expense will be an additional income for me and my family,” said Angelito Apolo, president of the Asenso Poblacion SLPA from Bayugan City.
The turnover ceremony stands as a testament to the DSWD’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in vulnerable communities. With continued support and collaboration among stakeholders, the agency hopes to empower more individuals and associations to build resilient livelihoods and contribute to the socioeconomic progress of the region. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
