The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga celebrated and honored its partner-stakeholders during the annual PAG-ILA: Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kalahok at Kasapi ng Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) today, December 5, 2025, held at Dottie’s Place Hotel, Butuan City.

PAG-ILA is a yearly celebration that recognizes excellence, resilience, and shared commitment among SLP partners from both the public and private sectors. It also highlights inspiring livelihood stories of SLP participants and honors the dedication of SLP staff.

The Province of Agusan del Sur was hailed as SLP Champion for the Provincial Category, while the Municipality of Tagbina and the City of Cabadbaran were recognized as SLP Champions under the Municipal and City categories, respectively. For the Barangay Category, Barangay Alegria of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur emerged as SLP Champion.

Meanwhile, the Province of Surigao del Sur was recognized as this year’s Grand Slam Awardee, a testament to its consistent and outstanding performance in SLP implementation.

Under Kabalikat Award, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur and the Caraga State University (CSU) were recognized as Best Partnership Awardees under the Public Sector and Academe categories, respectively. Their unwavering support has significantly enhanced the delivery of livelihood interventions and skills development for SLP participants.

For the Best SLP Microenterprise Development -Association Category, the Mat-i Kauswagan Kalampusan Association of Las Nieves secured 1st Place, followed by the San Antonio Luna SLP Association of Cabadbaran City and the La Caridad SLP Association of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

For the Best SLP Microenterprise Development -Special Projects, the top award was given to the Panikian PAMANA SLP Association of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, while the Barobo Empowered Women’s SLP Association earned 1st place under the MD–Zero Hunger Category.

For the Best SLP Microenterprise Development – Individual Category (MD), Ms. Priscilla Soliva from San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Ms. Conchita Baya of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, were honored for their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys and impact within their communities.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering partnership and support demonstrated by SLP stakeholders.

“Our heartfelt thanks for your ceaseless dedication. Your work on the frontline ensures that SLP remains connected with the communities we serve and responsive to their needs. May the recognition we celebrate today inspire us to further broaden and strengthen our partnerships in the years to come.”

On the other hand, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tristan Telen emphasized the agency’s mission and the significance of the awardees’ accomplishments.

“As we strengthen our programs, the vision of DSWD remains to create a society where the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized can enjoy an improved quality of life. The awardees exemplify this vision through their bravery and persistence.”

Aside from recognizing partner-stakeholders, the event also honored the unwavering dedication of SLP staff who continuously support the implementation of the program.

The Agusan del Sur Provincial Operations Office, headed by Dandrib Enoc, was awarded as this year’s Best Provincial Operations Office (POO), while Enoc was also recognized as Best Provincial Coordinator. Meanwhile, Kim Lorenz Batangoso received the award for Best RPMO Technical Staff, acknowledging his exceptional performance and commitment to service.

Also, Mary Joy Reyes was named as Best Provincial Capability Building Officer, Mechell Boter as Best Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Jeffrey Jay Salvador as Best Provincial Administrative Asisstant, Theresa Roa as Best Provincial Partnership Officer, Manelyn Antiporda as Best RPMO Administrative Assistant. While Kenneth Atamosa, Adelma Pelong, Jane Talisaysay, and Donna Verga were name as Best Project Development Officer.

The PAG-ILA Awards once again highlight the power of collaboration, community resilience, and the transformative impact of inclusive livelihood opportunities across the Caraga Region.