The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), conducted a ceremonial check turnover to four SLP Associations (SLPAs) in Butuan City today, March 13, 2026.
The activity was led by Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, together with Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, local officials, SLP staff, and SLPAs representatives.
During the ceremony, four associations received livelihood grants to support the establishment of their respective enterprises.
The Sinaka Unity and Pangaylan SLP Association with each association receiving Php600,000.00 to support the development of their community market ventures. Meanwhile, the Butuan United SLPA was granted Php900,000.00 for their Recreation and Amenities Services for the Night Market.
On the other hand, the Blossoms Curvada Sumilihon SLPA received Php200,000.00 to establish a Consumer Store with Eatery, which is expected to provide accessible goods and services while generating income for its members.
In his message, ARDO Parajes expressed how proud he was of the four associations for their dedication and perseverance in completing the required trainings, which paved the way for them to be given the opportunity to manage and operate their own businesses.
Aside from the check turnover, the four associations were also awarded Civil Society Organization (CSO) Accreditation Certificates, formally recognizing them as accredited partners in implementing livelihood projects and ensuring the sustainability of their enterprises. The accreditation also signifies their readiness to operate and manage their respective businesses in partnership with DSWD and the local government.
In his message of support, Mayor Fortun expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DSWD for its continued assistance to the people of Butuan, particularly in providing sustainable livelihood opportunities that help uplift the lives of local communities.
“Daghang salamat gyud sa DSWD. As far as the city government is concerned, we will continue to be your partner and we will extend every support we can give for this program, not only succeed but to expand even more”
SLP is one of the core programs of DSWD that aims to improve the socio-economic capacity of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households by providing access to capital, skills development, and market linkages for sustainable livelihood opportunities.
