The personnel of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Caraga completed a three-day orientation on the new Omnibus Guidelines of SLP, held from April 23 to 25, 2025, at Go Hotels, Robinsons Place, Butuan City.

This comprehensive training was designed to equip SLP Caraga staff with a thorough understanding of the transition from Memorandum Circular No. 07 to Memorandum Circular No. 03. It provided participants with in-depth knowledge of the key enhancements to the program’s operational protocols, set to take effect across the region in the coming months.

Representing DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-flor Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jean Paul Parajes emphasized the significant impact the revised guidelines will have on the program’s implementation, highlighting how these changes are poised to enhance the overall effectiveness and reach of SLP in the region.

“These changes brought by the new Omnibus Guidelines will pave the way for a more efficient process, clearer direction, and more responsive interventions, ranging from digitalization to more advanced capability-building efforts,” said ARDO Parajes in his welcome message.

 

Resource speakers from the SLP National Program Management Office (NPMO)—including Aileen Joyce Dizon, Azalea Denise Aporado, El Bonito Vista, Jim Jay Jumaquio, Lowel James Cornejo, and Glaiza Castro—provided detailed discussions on the Operational Guidelines, Overview of the Punla Implementation Phase and Pre-implementation Stage, Resource Mobilization Stage, Social Preparation Stage, among other key topics.

“It is essential that we fully grasp the rationale behind the training, as this will allow us to appreciate the underlying reasons for the changes being implemented. Understanding the purpose and objectives of the training will provide us with a clearer perspective on how these changes will enhance the program’s effectiveness,” remarked El Bonito Vista, Project Development Officer III.

The new guidelines are part of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s continued efforts to streamline public service processes and enhance the delivery of livelihood assistance. At the core of these revisions is a shift toward a more business-friendly approach, aimed at simplifying access to funding, technical support, and capacity-building programs for SLP participants, while ensuring minimal bureaucratic delays.

With this shift, the program anticipates a more methodical yet efficient implementation process, characterized by streamlined procedures, clearer objectives, and enhanced coordination at every level. This approach will foster improved planning and execution, ensuring that resources are allocated with precision and that each phase of the process is meticulously managed. As a result, the program will be better equipped to deliver SLP’s services and initiatives across the region more effectively, reaching intended beneficiaries with greater impact and timeliness.