DSWD turns over P7M livelihood projects in Surigao Norte
By Susil
Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- A total of
P7 million livelihood projects were recently turned over to various associations
in the province of Surigao del Norte.
The livelihood grant is funded by the Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP) under the microenterprise development track (MDT) of
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga for
the livelihood associations in the municipalities of Alegria, Bacuag, Claver
Gigaquit, Placer, Mainit, San Francisco, Sison, Tagana-an, and Surigao City.
DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga explained
that beneficiaries were identified and proposed by the SLP associations based
on their community's needs and market.
“Along with the livelihood projects, we also handed
over certificates of accreditation to the program participants,
recognizing them as civil society organizations eligible to implement programs
and projects using DSWD funds after meeting all the set criteria and
requirements,” the director said.
Rogelio, one of the members of the livelihood
association and abeneficiary of the program from San Francisco town, said, ”Our
group chose the livelihood of rice retailing and egg production to establish
these primary retailing products in the community. Locals in our place don’t
have to travel far to buy these prime commodities, as we are already here as
their primary provider.”
“Thank you to the government, especially to DSWD
and the provincial government, for helping us build a business and teaching us
how to earn income and manage it well. We will try our best to take care of
this business and let it grow so we can offer more products to our community,”
he added.
Dir. Dollaga also extended her utmost
gratitude and appreciation to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace
Barbers and Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers for the unwavering support and
commitment shown by the province to the implementation of DSWD-SLP and other
programs and services of the department.
Dolloga commended the province for always being
quick to respond and address the needs of the people of Surigao del
Norte.
Gov. Barbers, on the other hand, replied with
assurance, stating, “The province will continue to extend a helping hand to all
the endeavors of the DSWD and has committed to also grant incentives to the
associations as encouragement for them to strive hard and ensure the
sustainability of their livelihood projects.”
“DSWD Caraga and the province of Surigao del Norte
will continue working closely to ensure that all poor, vulnerable, and
disadvantaged communities and households are served by its commitment to
delivering quality service,” the solon said.
DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga turned over the livelihood financial grant to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and the beneficiaries of the program. Photo courtesy of DSWD-13. DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga turned over the livelihood financial grant to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and the beneficiaries of the program. Photo courtesy of DSWD-13.
The SLP is a capability-building program that aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable and marginalized sectors by providing capital seed funds, either for microenterprises or employment assistance.
Under the MDT scope of support, beneficiaries are association members with a qualifying age of 16 and above who will receive P15,000 each as capital assistance for their chosen livelihood. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DSWD-Caraga)
