BUTUAN CITY – The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga held its 5th Annual SLP Congress on December 13-15, 2016 in this City with the theme “Kwentong Makulay, Kwentong Tagumpay” (Colorful Stories, Stories of Success).
In this year’s congress, wide array of activities were set to rejoice the huge efforts of the program participants toward self-sufficiency and appreciation to the program’s ultimate goal in alleviating poverty.
“Ang mga kawani ng DSWD ay dynamic and beautiful,” Sec. Judy Taguiwalo praised the crowd.
The charismatic Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo officially opened the week-long congress on December 14, 2016 at Guingona Park.
“Ang pagpapatupad ng SLP o pagtulong sa mga kababayan natin na nagkaroon sila ng kabuhayan ay mahalaga upang makatayo sila sa kanilang sariling paa at umasa sa sarili,” shared Sec Judy.
After delivering her message, Sec. Judy did a booth hopping along with Regional Director Minda Brigoli; and amiably interacted with the program participants and DSWD staff from each booth.
Photo Exhibit and Livelihood Bazaar
A two-day photo exhibit in Guingona Park has showcased the genuine and true to life stories of success. These stories of how change became preeminent when the program started to be part of their lives.
Sec. Judy commended the how the photo exhibit has showcased the five-year journey of SLP in helping the Caraganons attain sustainable livelihood.
“Marami akong natutunan sa photo exhibit,” Sec. Judy expressed.
“Kaya pala ng SLP ng ganitong klaseng mga proyekto,” she added.
To provide a platform for income generation and showcase the SLP products to a wider market, a two-day livelihood bazaar was conducted.
Sec. Judy along with RD Brigoli visited the booths of bazaar and even
Variety of products from the five provinces of Caraga region has been displayed during the bazaar; from food products, handicrafts, furniture and local delicacies.
Aside from the products offered, nail care and massage services were offered by the program participants from Surigao City. These program participants were intervened with Skills Training by SLP with provision of starter kits.
Takbong Makulay Para Sa Kwentong Tagumpay
On December 13, a 5K Color Me Run served as the kick-off activity of the week;-long congress. 200 thrilled participants gathered at Guingona Park which was the starting and finishing point of the said activity. The participants elatedly ran through the 5-kilometer course while getting hit with powdered paint that left them coated in neon colors.
After the colorful run, the participants attended a thanksgiving mass and followed by a two-hour Zumba.
Tagisan ng Kasanayan
After the successful morning activity on the 13th, a cooking contest participated by the program participants from the five (5) different provinces was held.
This activity aims to showcase the cooking skills of the program participants. This is a venue for them to nurture their creativity and enhance professionalism in the workplace.
Because Christmas is getting near, the skills contest required the program participants to create a main course dish perfect for Noche Buena using the ingredients inside the mystery box.
Program participants from Surigao del Sur were hailed winner during the cooking competition and followed by the teams from Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands.
Advocacy Festival and Bloodletting Activity
Apart from the presence of Sec. Judy, an advocacy festival has also colored the second day of the 5th Annual SLP Congress conducted in Guingona Park.
During the festival, the nine (9) different programs or services of the agency laid down their advocacy materials to acquaint the general public.
A band presentation has concluded the festival. The winner of the recently concluded Kalahi-CIDSS song-writing contest Empty Space performed their song entitled “One”.
Sabay Tayong Mangarap, the official jingle of DSWD-SLP Caraga composed and performed by Haystack band, arranged by Joseph Care Cabaltera and Simel Adam Amplayo was also presented during the activity.
Social Entrepreneurship Symposium
To further enhance the entrepreneurial skills of the program participants, a technical session with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Social Entrepreneurial Technique and Strategies was conducted before the Grand Gala on December 15. It was attended by 100 program participants venturing on different livelihood projects from the five (5) provinces of the region.
Grand Gala
A Grand Gala culminated the 5th Annual SLP Congress attended by 200 program participants, partner NGAs, private partners and DSWD staff which aims to applaud our stakeholders, public and private partners who have contributed a lot in the program implementation.
The colourful gala was officially opened by RD Minda Brigoli.
“The program participants deserve this celebration and our stakeholders as well, thus, an SLP Congress will be celebrated annually,” RD Brigoli expressed.
RD Brigoli also commended the stakeholders, public and private partners who have contributed a lot in the program implementation.
“It is but necessary to give commendation to recognize their efforts as we continue to strengthen partnership to our stakeholders,” RD Brigoli added.
Sec. Judy was the event’s keynote speaker.
“Masaya ako na nakapunta ako sa Caraga. Marami akong natutunan sa dalawang araw na pagsama ko sa inyo,” Sec. Taguiwalo shared.
There was a photo exhibit to celebrate the incredible turnaround success stories of SLP program participants.
The official jingle of DSWD-SLP Caraga entitled Sabay Tayong Mangarap, performed by Haystack Band and arranged by Joseph Care Cabaltero and Simel Adam Amplayo, was also launched during the grand gala. The music video has showcased some of the remarkable livelihood projects of the program participants of SLP.
While the video was playing, loud cheer and grateful smiles filled the room.
After the video was shown, there was a standing ovation from the audience headed by Sec. Taguiwalo and RD Brigoli.
Also part of the program was the “product walk” where the Field Project Development officers have modeled SLP Caraga products. The colorful and innovated plastic rattan handicrafts from the Province of Dinagat Islands were showcased during the product walk.
RD Brigoli did the finale walk and was joined by Sec. Taguiwalo after. One of the handicrafts was given to Sec. Judy as token of appreciation.
Further, commendation to stakeholder, NGAs and private partners was carried out. Awards were given to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DTI, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mindanao R&D Consultants, Inc. (MRDC) and Winrock.
Started in 2011, the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Sustainable Livelihood Program is holding Annual SLP Congress to celebrate the successes of our SLP program participants in achieving the goal of our Department which is uplifting the socio-economic status of our program participants through engaging in micro-enterprises or employment. ###(MARY CARMELLE C. JUMAWAN/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)
