A total of 10 livelihood associations from Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, recently received a grant worth PHP 4,000,000.00 from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) through an island-wide ceremonial check turnover held at the Siargao Convention Center in Dapa, this province.

The SLP associations from the towns of Burgos, Del Carmen, San Isidro, San Benito, Pilar, Santa Monica, and Dapa each received PHP 420,000.00, while the two associations from General Luna and one from Socorro were awarded PHP 450,000.00 apiece.

The grant will serve as the initial seed capital for the associations, empowering them to establish and develop their own sustainable livelihood projects. This financial support will enable the groups to procure essential resources, acquire necessary equipment, and implement strategies to ensure the long-term success of their chosen enterprises.

“I sincerely thank the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program for this opportunity. It has brought much-needed relief to our community and renewed our hope to work for a better future,” said Don Paulino Rice Traders SLP Association member Archie Durero in an acceptance message.

He further emphasized the program’s significant impact on the economic growth of their community, highlighting how it has fostered self-reliance and empowered its constituents to build more sustainable living conditions.

“This grant has not only boosted our community’s economic growth but has also empowered us to become more self-reliant. It has opened doors for new livelihood opportunities, allowing us to provide for our families,” he added.

Present at the ceremony were key figures, including local officials and program partners from various local government units in the province.

SLP has already carried out a series of turnovers on the island this year, extending vital support and resources to numerous communities, including those in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Looking ahead, the program remains committed to sustaining this momentum, with plans to facilitate additional turnovers and introduce other impactful initiatives, not only across the island but throughout the entire region.