Tricycle operators, drivers receive livelihood project

Posted on October 22, 2021

DSWD Field Office Caraga OIC-Asst. Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes (5th person from R, second line) pose for a group photo together with Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen (4th person from L, second line) after the turnover of the general merchandise project to the Lianga United Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (LUTODA) on October 20, 2021, in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga turned over a general merchandise project to the Lianga United Operators and Drivers Association (LUTODA) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on October 20, 2021.

LUTODA is an association composed of 30 tricycle operators and drivers residing in the municipality of Lianga. Prior to the project turnover, the association has already been registered under the Department of Labor and Employment.

The general merchandise project acquired by the association, which includes starter kits and skills training in procurement and general merchandise, has a total amount of PHP 461,142.00 and is funded through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Under the micro-enterprise development track of the DSWD-SLP, associations are provided with necessary skills enhancement training to ensure that they are fully equipped and ready to manage a livelihood.

The turnover activity was led by OIC-Asst. Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul S. Parajes. Parajes, and was joined by Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen.

During his message, Parajes encouraged the association members to work harmoniously together and properly manage the project livelihood entrusted to them.

“Everyone should do their part and contribute to the success of this project. We are not the ones who’ll benefit from this project, but it will be you and your families. In order for the project to sustain itself, everyone’s effort is needed. Help one another. Aim for this project to run for long years,” Parajes said.

*OIC-Asst. Regional Director gives his message to the members of the LUTODA during the project turnover.*

Further, the association also showed their joy and gratitude for the livelihood project entrusted to them. One of the members emphasized that the project will allow them to have steady and sufficient income and support for their families’ needs. “Dakong tabang ang livelihood project nga among nadawat para madugangan ang among kita ug mas makasuporta pa mi sa among mga pamilya (The livelihood project is a big help to us because it will provide us with more income to support our families).”

The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a capacity-building program of the DSWD which aims to provide poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities with access to socio-economic opportunities that will increase their productivity and make them financially sufficient.