Some 25 associations from the municipalities of Tubay, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Magallanes, and the City of Cabadbaran received a total amount of Php 7,410,000.00 worth of grant. Two SLPAs from Tubay were given Php 600,000.00, while Php 900,000.00 for three SLPAs in RTR, Php 1,410,000.00 to five SLPAs of Magallanes, and Php 4,500,000.00 to the associations from Cabadbaran City. The ceremony was held at the Cabadbaran City Gymnasium.

On the other hand, SLP also delivered checks in the Municipal Gymnasium of Carmen amounting to Php 7.2 million to 11 SLPAs from the towns of Buenavista, nine from Nasipit, and four in Carmen. Each association was given Php 300,000.00, respectively.

“Let’s be united in achieving the goal of this program, to help uplift the lives of the vulnerable sector. Together, we will prove to SLP that we are deserving of every ounce of help they have provided us,” said Virgilio Argarme, association president of Carmen United Entrepreneur SLPA, during his acceptance message.

Moreover, Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Tristan Telen highlighted the significance of SLP and its impact on its beneficiaries.

“This program only shows that DSWD provides a diverse line of assistance. We enhance, capacitate, and build projects all aiming to a single goal: alleviate the lives of the poor and marginalized people. SLP equips its beneficiaries with technical skills necessary for their livelihood projects that may soon change the path of their lives,” ARDA Telen remarked.

In addition, he also expressed the agency’s appreciation to the involving parties who contributed to the success of the activity.

“On behalf of DSWD Field Office Caraga, thank you so much to the local government unit of Agusan del Norte, municipal, district, and provincial officials, and also to SLP staff. Without your diligence and initiatives, this event wouldn’t be successful. We admire your compassion to serve the people!” He added.

To wrap up the program, the association presidents, public officials of the province and its municipalities, together with SLP personnel, pledge their commitment through the signing of the “KOMITIDO AKO” wall, a solemn oath that strengthens the bond of SLP and its partners to ensure that the program’s projects are well taken care of.

These series of turnover activities awarded a total of Php 14.6 million worth of seed capital, benefiting 36 SLP associations from the different municipalities of the aforesaid province. It will set out to start multifaceted businesses of the SLPAs.