Nothing but immense pride and exhilaration that the Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in the province of Surigao del Sur exhibited as they showcased their unique initiatives, practices, and strategies that are vital to the success of their association to the visiting SLP personnel from the different regions across the country.
Out of the 18 regions in the Philippines, Caraga was among the chosen ones to host the first ever SLP—National Program Management Office (NPMO), Regional Program Coordinators (RPCs), and Provincial Coordinators (PCs) Learning Field Visit and Provision of Technical Assistance on October 21-25, 2024, conducted in various towns in the aforementioned province. The guests were warmly welcomed with festive dance and pounding beat of the drums by the local performers from the different areas of the province.
The first association on the list to be visited was the long-standing Jackfruit Self Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Association from the municipality of Tagbina. Despite the numerous setbacks it has faced over the years, it remains operational up to this date. Second is another SLPA in the same municipality, the Dona Carmen Water Users Station SLP association. Next are the SLPAs from the City of Bislig, which are the Masipag Pantawid SLPA and United Vendors SLPA. The last three associations visited were the Del Carmen Farmers and Fisherfolks SLPA and Pong-on Women’s SLP Association 1 and 2 from the towns of Hinatuan and San Agustin.
The aforementioned associations proudly shared their innovations and key strategies, including value-adding to their products, enhanced monitoring practices, and ensuring healthy competition during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the visitors. They highlighted the significant steps and methods of their operations that greatly contributed to the success and sustainability of their livelihood association.
“Every member of our association has significant contributions, from planning down to execution. During meetings, their comments and suggestions are well noted,” said Dona Carmen SLPA President Roger Bustilla.
Moreover, the visitors also provided technical assistance and shared their good practices with the associations. In addition, SLP-NPMO Division Chief for Operation Marife Leon also commended the SLPA members for their perseverance and dedication to sustain their livelihood association and make good use of the assistance given by the program.
“You did not fail to do your part. Despite the challenges, you still manage to maintain your association and secure positive outcome. We are grateful to learn that many SLPAs here in Caraga have prospered,” Chief Leon remarked.
Many of those associations already started giving back to the community through various ways, such as providing water supply to the community and selling commodities at a significantly lower price. These initiatives build camaraderie among their constituents and promote sustainable living for their people.
Other than that, the visitors also hopped around the scenic tourists’ destinations in the province. They enjoyed the majestic view of Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, the Enchanted River of Hinatuan, and the Britania Islets in San Agustin.
After a week-long of roaming around from one association to another, the activity successfully concluded with a fruitful discussion in the exit conference spearheaded by DSWD-FO Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Jean Paul Parajes along with the SLP Caraga Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) technical staff, where the visitors expressed their appreciation and admiration to the SLP-RPMO and SLPAs in Caraga.
