Who would have imagined that those once labelled as the “poorest of the poor” would one day become pillars of strength in their community?

In the Island of Gibusong in Barangay Liberty, Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands, a group of members from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is rewriting that narrative, proving that given the right opportunity, people can rise beyond labels and transform lives, not just their own, but to others as well.

For years, 4Ps beneficiaries have often been misunderstood, seen by some specially the taxpayers as dependent on governments “Ayuda” (assistance). But for the 25 members of the Liberty Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA), the support they received became a stepping stone, not a crutch.

Their inspiring journey began in 2016, in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, which caused severe damage in the Municipality of Loreto. Its flagship project, “One Barangay, One Store (OBOS) cum Store Management and Merchandising,” was focused on general merchandise trading to revive the local economy in the Barangay. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), provided the group with a starter kit worth ₱411,275.00.

From modest beginnings, the group steadily grew. Through discipline, trust among members, and good financial management, their capital expanded from ₱411,275 to an impressive ₱1.4 million by December 2025. They were also able to buy additional assets such as freezer, refrigerator, and lot where their store is built.

Other than that, they are also branching into micro-lending, allowing members and even other community residents access to small loans with a manageable 5% monthly interest.

This initiative did more than circulate money for the association but also sparked opportunity. Small borrowers were able to sustain or grow their own livelihoods, while the association generated additional income to keep operations running. In turn, the SLPA created jobs, hiring a sales clerk with a monthly salary of Php5, 000.00 and later increased to Php10,000.00 and providing honoraria to its officers with regular responsibilities with an overall total compensation amounting to ₱18,300.00 per month.

Despite the challenges they went through during Typhoon Odette, their success did not go unnoticed. Recognizing their impact, the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) extended a ₱500,000.00 grant. This support enabled the association to build a new two-storey store and expand their product offerings. The newly completed two-storey building is now fully operational.

But perhaps what truly defines the group is not just their growth but their compassion.

When Typhoon Tino struck and devastated Gibusong Island, the association chose to act with compassion. Despite their own struggles, they allocated ₱158,000.00 to assist members by helping cover the cost of materials needed to repair their damaged homes. They also donated to schools, assisted families in need, and provided financial help during medical emergencies and bereavement even to non-members.

The Liberty SLPA is more than a livelihood group. It is a living testament to resilience, unity, and the power of opportunity. It challenges stereotypes and redefines what it means to receive aid not as dependence, but as a chance to rise.