TUBAY – Two conflict-vulnerable area associations in Tubay, Agusan del Norte received livelihood projects amounting to Php300,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), on November 18.

The Tagmamarkay Empowered People’s SLP Association of Barangay Tagmamarkay received a rice trading project from the program, while the Kamingawan SLP Association acquired an abaca trading project. These associations were identified and endorsed by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) to the program.

The members proposed livelihoods handed over to associations to ensure that the projects matched the market and resources in their community.

Municipal Mayor Jimmy Beray expressed his support to the associations and encouraged them to manage the projects well. He also added that the members could approach the Local Government Unit for technical assistance, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and DSWD-SLP.

“Akong gihangyo nga inyo ampingan ang mga proyekto aron makatabang kaninyo ug sa komunidad. Kini gihatag sa gobyerno nga walay bayad, dili ni ibalik ug ingon man walay interest. Ayaw mo magduha-duha sa pagduol sa akong opisina ingon man sa MSWDO ug DSWD-SLP alang sa inyong mga gikinahanglang technical support (I am requesting you to take care of these projects so that it can help you and the community. These were given to you by the government for free and with no interest. Do not hesitate to approach my office through the MSWDO and DSWD-SLP for technical support),” Beray said.

The provision of livelihood project is part of the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 70, series of 2018 – a measure initiated by the Duterte administration that seeks to strengthen peace and order by ending the local communist armed conflict in the country.

As the program delegated to provide livelihood interventions to poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged communities, the Sustainable Livelihood Program provides capacity-building activities and livelihood activities that will help former rebels and families and individuals in conflict-vulnerable communities live a just, peaceful, and sustainable life. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)