By Mariela Angella Oladive
Eighty (80) beneficiaries, mostly fish vendors, sari-sari store owners, and corn vendors, received P10,000 each in financial aid through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) during a pay-out on January 28 at Brgy. Dungon A covered court in Jaro, Iloilo City.
This cash assistance aims to boost their businesses, enabling them to expand, innovate, and create a more sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families.
The SLP is a community-based initiative designed to improve the socio-economic status of its participants.
The program consists of two tracks: the Micro-Enterprise Development (MD) Track and the Employment Facilitation (EF) Track.
The MD Track focuses on establishing micro-enterprises, offering financial capital, skills enhancement, and the construction or restoration of physical and natural assets.
On the other hand, the EF Track assists those who prefer employment over entrepreneurship, providing support through the Employment Assistance Fund and Skills Training Fund.
This initiative was spearheaded by the local leaders and supported by Senator Lito Lapid, who facilitated the allocation of funds, recognizing the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses.
The selection process for beneficiaries was conducted during barangay visits by the office of lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda.
