Livelihood grants empower 17 people’s associations in Buenavista, Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — More families in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte are expected to enjoy improved incomes and more sustainable sources of livelihood after 17 people’s associations received a total of P4.1 million in livelihood grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
Released through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the assistance will enable beneficiaries to expand existing livelihood enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen community-based organizations, contributing to poverty reduction and inclusive local economic growth.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen poverty reduction programs by expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities, empowering communities to become self-reliant, and advancing inclusive and lasting peace in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
The grants were distributed during a ceremonial check turnover on July 21 at the Mayor’s Conference Room in Buenavista.
Seven qualified PAMANA Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations each received P300,000, or P2.1 million total. These are the Simbalan Mabungahon Agri-Farmers PAMANA Livelihood Program Association, Afga Farmers PAMANA Livelihood Program Association, Barug Sangay Farmers PLPA, Guinabsan Neighborhood PLPA, Macalang Makugihon PLPA, New Life Masigasig Farmers PLPA, and the United Agusanon Agricultural Workers for Peace and Development PLPA.
Meanwhile, 10 qualified DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations each received P200,000, for a total of P2 million. The beneficiaries are Mabungahon Alubihid SLPA, United Alubihid SLPA, Sitio Antipolo Farmers SLPA, Uswag Sataki SLPA, Angat Dalao-an SLPA, Seaborn SLPA, Buena Macalang Farmers SLPA, Barangay Talo-ao Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) SLPA, Malapong Mauswagon SLPA, and Mauswagon Talo-ao SLPA.
Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble thanked the DSWD and OPAPRU for their continued partnership in improving the lives of Buenavista residents through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
“We are grateful to DSWD and OPAPRU for their continued support to the municipality of Buenavista. Let us use these grants wisely by investing them in sustainable livelihood projects. Let’s teach our community how to work, not to beg,” Roble said.
He added that the local government remains committed to implementing programs that empower residents, strengthen community enterprises, and promote long-term economic sustainability.
For beneficiary associations, the livelihood assistance has already translated into tangible economic gains.
Genelito G. Sabanal, president of the Barangay Talo-ao Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA), shared that the grants have enabled their association to expand its operations and improve members’ earnings.
“In 2024, our association received a P450,000 livelihood grant that enabled us to purchase four motorcycles. As of 2026, we have expanded our fleet to seven motorcycles. With the additional grant we received today, we plan to purchase two more motorcycle units to increase our income and strengthen our operations,” Sabanal said.
He said the expansion will provide more livelihood opportunities for members while allowing the association to deliver better transport services to the community.
Jovenly D. Escobilla, representative of the United Agusanon Agricultural Workers for Peace and Development PAMANA Livelihood Program Association, said the assistance will help improve the quality of life of members and provide better opportunities for their families while strengthening people’s organizations.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program is one of the government’s flagship poverty reduction initiatives that equips organized groups with financial capital and capability-building support to establish and expand sustainable community enterprises, helping improve household incomes while advancing inclusive development and lasting peace. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
