The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), continues to create opportunities for communities through initiatives such as the Trinidad Dairy Box SLP Association in Barangay Trinidad, Surigao City.

For many residents, livelihood options were once limited and uncertain. Income from farming was often not enough to meet daily needs. Today, that reality is slowly changing.

Established in September 2025, the association received a start-up capital of ₱600,000, enabling members to begin a dairy enterprise producing fresh milk and other milk-based products. What started as a new opportunity has become a shared effort among community members working toward a more stable source of income.

The project was strengthened through partnerships with national and local agencies. The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) provided dairy infrastructure, processing equipment, and 56 heads of carabao. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supported training on sanitation and proper milk handling, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assisted in product labeling and marketing. The Local Government Unit of Surigao City, led by Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II, provided land for the facility, with continued support from the City Veterinary Office.

Like many new ventures, the association faced challenges during its early months, particularly in marketing their products. Some items remained unsold, affecting operations. Despite this, members remained committed-adjusting their strategies and supporting one another to sustain the enterprise.

Months later, their efforts are beginning to show results. The Trinidad Dairy Box SLP Association is gradually gaining recognition in the community. Members involved in production and store operations now receive allowances, helping support their families’ daily needs.

More than a source of income, the project has become a symbol of collective effort and resilience.

“Kami sa Trinidad Dairy Box SLP Association mapasalamaton sa tanan government agencies nga nitabang sa amo aron mahimong posible kining proyekto. Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa PCC, DSWD, DOST, DTI, City Veterinary Office ug sa LGU Surigao City, labi na kang Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao sa iyang padayon nga suporta sa among association”, the association shared, expressing gratitude to partner agencies and the local government.

Through initiatives like this, DSWD Field Office Caraga continues to support communities in building sustainable livelihoods -one step at a time, toward a more secure and hopeful future.