DSWD empowers women from conflict-affected barangay in Surigao Norte
By Susil D. Ragas
The association’s livelihood program began in 2018 with 50 all-women members comprising solo parents, elderly women, and married mothers. Their initial project, a merchandise store, provided affordable goods and income for the community in Barangay Siana, Mainit, Suriagao del Norte.
Due to security concerns affecting the area, Barangay Siana was endorsed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and became eligible for the PAMANA program. Through this, the association acquired a multicab that offered transportation services within the municipality and nearby areas, generating additional income for members.
In 2019, operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by further setbacks in 2021 when Super Typhoon Odette damaged the multicab. These challenges led to a decline in membership from 50 to 20.
Despite the disruption, some members persevered. With support from the PAMANA-SLP second tranche, they took the DSWD-facilitated capacity-building training and launched a remittance and photocopying service in the barangay in 2023.
By 2024, the association received an additional ₱300,000 grant to strengthen operations, along with support from the barangay and provincial government.
Aling Nena, one of the members of Siana Golden Mothers Association, said, “We are grateful to the DSWD because what used to be just a dream has now become a reality. As a solo parent, this helps relieve our stress since I now receive a share of the income as an additional source of livelihood.”
Today, the Siana Golden Mothers Association stands as a symbol of resilience and empowerment, transforming challenges into sustainable livelihood opportunities for their community.
PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) is the government’s peace and development framework, offering services to conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
It aims to reduce poverty and improve governance by addressing the root causes of the conflict through livelihood support. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DSWD Caraga)
