As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering peace and development, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga turned over livelihood projects to four SLP Associations in Conflict Vulnerable Areas (CVA) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on March 6, 2025.
The four benefiting associations that are situated in insurgency-affected areas were the Durian Integrated Farmers SLP Association of Barangay Durian and the Ibuan Senior Citizen SLP Association of Barangay Ibuan, both launching motor and spare parts trading businesses. Meanwhile, the Lingayao Sulong and Empowered Women’s SLP Association of Barangay Lingayao established a consumer store, and the Maningalao Supermom’s SLP Association set up a bakery. They all received 300,000.00 pesos worth of livelihood project apiece.
DSWD Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Jean Paul Parajes, highlighted the agency’s dedicated efforts to promote empowerment among communities, particularly those in conflict-affected areas by fostering self-reliance and resilience to create a more stable, peaceful, and sustainable living condition.
“This ceremonial turnover signifies the intensive efforts of the department to combat conflict activities and promote peace and development to our constituents by providing economic opportunities for the betterment of their communities,” ARDO Parajes remarked.
Moreover, several program partners, including the Learning Management Training Center (LMTC), expressed their commitment to support the initiative emphasizing that necessary provisions and support are provided to help program participants sustain and grow their businesses.
“We acknowledge the other needs of the program participants and remain committed to their continuous growth. To support this, we will provide them with advanced technical and skills training, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise necessary to their respective ventures,” said Norberto Ablin, LMTC Administrator.
Other partners, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, have also pledged their full support for the program. TESDA specifically committed to conducting baking skills training for the Maningalao Sulong and Empowered Women’s SLPA, equipping them with valuable skills needed for their business. Meanwhile, the AFP vowed to uphold peace and security in the area, ensuring a stable environment for progress, while the LGU of Las Nieves also reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining the implementation of SLP programs and services within the municipality.
This initiative is part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach, a comprehensive strategy that brings together various sectors to collaboratively address the root causes of armed conflict. By integrating efforts from national agencies, local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders, the approach aims to provide sustainable solutions that promote social inclusion, economic opportunities, and improved public services. Through this coordinated effort, the government seeks to not only resolve existing conflicts but also create an environment of lasting peace, stability, and progress across the country.
