TANDAG CITY- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), formalized a partnership with North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)-Tandag City and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held today, August 7, 2025, at the NEMSU Tandag Campus.

Seated at the presidential table were DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, NEMSU President Nemesio Loayon, and TESDA Surigao del Sur Provincial Director Romel Natad, MIE. Also present to witness this milestone were key officials and stakeholders including SLP Regional Program Coordinator Reynard Roi Cabusao, NEMSU Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Rolly Salvaleon, NEMSU Head, Extension Services and Linkages James Grefalde, 1st District Representative Eugene Batiao, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Hershe Nunez, DTI Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Leo Froilan Duero, SLP associations from Surigao del Sur, and SLP staff.

This MOA marks an essential move to bolster the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program in Surigao del Sur, particularly in areas of capacity development, resource mobilization, community participation, and program monitoring and evaluation. The convergence of expertise from the academe and technical institutions further ensures that SLP participants are equipped with the right tools, skills, and knowledge to thrive.

Regional Director Dollaga emphasized the important role of partnerships in creating lasting impact for vulnerable sectors.

“Sa bawat programang ating isinusulong, kailangan natin ng mga katuwang na may puso, may kaalaman, at may kakayahan-gaya ng NEMSU at TESDA. Napapanahon na po na pagtulungan natin ang pagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga nawalan, ng pagkakataon sa mga minsang napag-iwanan, at ng boses sa mga matagal nang nanahimik.”

She added that through this partnership, communities will gain better access to education, technology, and livelihood opportunities-key drivers to sustainable development.

NEMSU and TESDA officials also expressed their full support for this advocacy, affirming their commitment to empowering communities through collaborative action. Their inspiring messages will be featured in a separate post.

Showcasing Local Enterprise: SLP Bazaar Launches “SLP SurSur Kabuhayan Expo: Hininang 2025”

Following the MOA signing, DSWD-SLP also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the “SLP SurSur Kabuhayan Expo: Hininang 2025”, a festive bazaar showcasing locally made products crafted by SLP Associations across Surigao del Sur.

The bazaar served as a platform for microentrepreneurs to promote their products, build networks, and demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the program’s support. A colorful product parade highlighted the creativity, perseverance, and enterprise of SLP beneficiaries -further underscoring the impact of capacity-building initiatives and sustainable livelihood support.

In his closing message, SLP Regional Program Coordinator Reynard Roi Cabusao encouraged SLP participants to actively join exhibits, emphasizing that these platforms foster connections and open doors to business opportunities. He also expressed his gratitude to NEMSU and TESDA for their meaningful partnership and continued support in empowering communities through sustainable livelihood.

“To our SLP participants, may today remind of your strength. You are not just beneficiaries of programs; you are builders of your own future. To our partners- NEMSU and TESDA- thank you for walking alongside with us in this jpurney. Your support amplifiers our reach and deepens our impact.

Through this strengthened collaboration, DSWD Caraga, NEMSU, and TESDA reaffirm their shared mission of empowering communities, enhancing productivity, and building a future where no one is left behind.