TORRIJOS, MARINDUQUE – As part of the collective effort to strengthen community-based enterprises and foster sustainable development, the DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA conducted the Quarterly Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) meeting cum Entrepreneurship Level IV Training at the MDRRM Hall, Poblacion, on June 4, 2025. 

The activity brought together the 13 SLPAs across the municipality which also served as an avenue for engagement, learning, and collaboration.

Each association had the opportunity to present its operational progress, financial status, and business development milestones, allowing for an open dialogue about challenges faced on the ground, while encouraging the exchange of good practices and innovations that others can adopt to strengthen livelihood efforts.

Consistent with SLP’s mission to promote productivity and self-reliance, the event also recognized outstanding performance through the SLPA Top Sales Awards. 

The Top Sales Performer was given to Tigwi Ilaya SLPA with a remarkable sales output of ₱118,061.00 — an achievement credited to their strategic planning and strong group commitment and succeeded by Nagkakaisang Samahan sa Pulo SLPA with ₱53,254.00, and Bayanan Antipolo SLPA with ₱19,250.00.

Tigwi Ilaya SLPA President Marina Nabos expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that their success was built on hard work, perseverance, and the unity of their members. 

She acknowledged that while misunderstandings occasionally arise, they resolve them through open communication, patience, and mutual respect. 

“Kahit kami ay may mga tampuhan, ito ay aming nareresolba sa pamamagitan ng maayos na usapan at mahabang pang-unawa sa bawat miyembro,” (Even though we sometimes have misunderstandings, we are able to resolve them through proper communication and a great deal of patience with each member), she said.

For their group, these challenges have become stepping stones toward greater strength and resilience as an organization.

Beyond sales performance, other associations were also recognized for showcasing organizational skills and creativity.

Flight of Serenity SLPA bagged both the Marketing Excellence Award for its creative promotion efforts, and the Organizational Excellence Award for its effective internal operations and governance. 

Tigwi Farmville SLPA was awarded the Workplace Culture Award in recognition of its dedication to building a harmonious and empowering workplace for members.

Kimberly Marquez, Livelihood Worker and Community Affairs Officer, gave a moving message expressing admiration for the slum dwellers’ resilience and commitment. She underscored the value of unity, innovation, and accountability in ensuring the success of the livelihood program. 

Joining her was Arjay Historillo, SLP Provincial Partnership Officer, who provided guidance and technical support to assist SLPAs in streamlining their business models and adopting long-term sustainability.

Moreover, a significant highlight was the official launch of the Entrepreneurship Level IV Training, a milestone initiative made possible through the partnership between TESDA – Torrijos Poblacion School of Arts and Trades (TPSAT) and the DSWD FO MIMAROPA. 

It is carefully designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of participants, with key modules on financial literacy, strategic marketing, customer service, and business growth planning. 

The training, facilitated by Jazzer A. Loto, a dedicated trainer from TESDA, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering long-term, sustainable development.

He noted that the partnership between TESDA and DSWD highlights how collaboration can strengthen local associations and promote sustainable livelihoods and expressed confidence that SLPAs will gain both the skills and mindset needed to grow their community enterprises.

The June 4 session kicked off a three-day training series, with the next sessions set to take place in various barangays throughout the month that aims to ensure broader reach and active participation among SLPA members across Torrijos.