The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), awarded ₱12 million in livelihood grants to 25 SLP associations from the towns of Dapa, Sta. Monica, and Burgos, Siargao Island, on February 28, 2025, at the Siarelco Gymnasium in Dapa.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the provincial wide ceremonial turnover, joined by key agency officials, including Undersecretary for Innovations Eduardo Punay, Assistant Secretary for Innovations Baldr Bringas, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-flor Dollaga, and Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jean Paul Parajes. Their participation underscored the department’s commitment to advancing social welfare initiatives and ensuring effective support for program participants.
These livelihood grants serve as initial seed capital for 175 program participants, empowering them to launch and sustain their own income-generating ventures. By providing financial assistance, the program aims to equip beneficiaries with the necessary resources to start small businesses, enhance their economic self-sufficiency, and improve their overall quality of life.
In his keynote address, Sec. Gatchalian reaffirmed DSWD’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through sustainable economic opportunities. He emphasized that the turnover ceremony was more than just the distribution of financial grants—it symbolized the government’s trust in the beneficiaries’ ability to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to community development.
“Hindi lang ito isang simpleng pagtuturn-over ng tseke. Ito ay isang simbolo ng ating tiwala sa kakayahan ng bawat benepisyaryo na paunlarin ang kanilang kabuhayan. Ang SLP ay hindi lang nagbibigay ng puhunan kundi ng pagkakataon para mapaunlad ang komunidad. Sama-sama nating gawing produktibo at matagumpay ang mga proyektong ito.”
(This is not just a simple turnover of a check. It is a symbol of our trust in the capability of each beneficiary to improve their livelihood. The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) does not only provide capital but also opportunities to develop the community. Let us work together to make these projects productive and successful.), Sec. Gatchalian stated.
One of the program participants also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to both the program and the secretary for providing them with a decent livelihood that will serve as a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency, allowing them to create a sustainable income for their families and communities.
“Daku kayo among pasalamat sa SLP ug kang Secretary Gatchalian sa paghatag kanamo og oportunidad nga makapanginabuhi ug insakto. Amoa kining ampingan ug palambuon ang proyekto, dili lang alang sa among kaugalingong kaayohan kundi aron usab makatabang sa kalamboan sa among komunidad. Kini usa ka dakong hagit ug responsibilidad nga among dawaton uban sa tibuok namong kasing-kasing.”
(We are deeply grateful to SLP and Secretary Gatchalian for giving us a livelihood opportunity. We will take care of and develop this project not only for our own well-being but also to contribute to the progress of our community. This is a great challenge and responsibility that we wholeheartedly accept.), said Bailan Savings and Credit SLP Association President Victorino Florendo Sr.
DSWD continues to extend its support to a diverse range of beneficiaries through various forms of aid, going beyond financial assistance. The agency implements comprehensive programs designed to empower individuals and communities, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, skills training, social services, and emergency relief, among others. Its goal is to foster long-term self-sufficiency and uplift lives, ensuring that assistance leads to lasting improvements in well-being.
Moreover, the ceremonial turnover coincided with the successful launch of the Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-off Challenge held in Dapa. The Walang Gutom Program, spearheaded by Sec. Gatchalian, is a flagship DSWD initiative aimed at reducing involuntary hunger among low-income households and enabling them to become productive members of society.
