ORIENTAL MINDORO – As part of its commitment to uplift the lives of poor and vulnerable families through sustainable income, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA has released a total of Php5,380,000.00 livelihood grants to 14 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) across the province from July 4 to 10, 2025.

The awarding began on July 4 in the municipality of Baco, where the Binaybay Lakas Kababaihan Sta. Rosa II SLPA received Php 300,000.00 to support its 15 members.

It was followed by simultaneous awarding ceremonies in Bansud, Roxas, and Calapan City.

In Bansud, four SLPAs with a combined 70 members received a total of Php 1,400,000.00, namely Proper Tiguisan Casa Negosyo SLPA (Php 340,000.00), Pag-Asa United Neighbors SLPA (Php 360,000.00), Manihala Sitio Link SLPA (Php 400,000.00), and Quatro Bato Marketing SLPA (Php 300,000.00).  The event was led by Bansud Mayor Hon. Ronaldo M. Morada, SLP Provincial Coordinator Marites C. Pones, and MSWD Head Violeta A. Nazareno.

In Roxas, United Victory SLPA (23 members) received Php 460,000.00, and Rising Star SLPA (16 members) received Php 320,000.00, amounting to a total of Php 780,000.00. MA Johnell Siñel and MSWD Head Edna Buenviaje expressed their support for the activity.

The largest grant release occurred in Calapan City, where five (5) SLPAs with 115 members were awarded Php 2,300,000.00: CALM WEAST SLPA, Bagong Pag-Asa SLPA, Kanlaz SLPA, and Laz-Upper SLPA received Php 300,000.00 each, while Bayog SLPA received Php 600,000.00. The awarding was attended by Calapan City Mayor Hon. Doy Leachon and CSWD Head Juvy Bahia.

The final leg of the awarding was held in Mansalay on July 10, where two (2) associations, Don Pedro Living Roots SLPA and Pinagpalagang Magsasaka SLPA, with 30 members each, received Php 300,000.00, totaling to Php 600,000.00. It was graced by Mansalay Vice Mayor Hon. Jose Idelfonso M. Maliwanag and MSWD Head Ishmylene F. Fernando.

The livelihood grants will directly benefit a total of 269 association members, aiming to support the establishment and enhancement of community-based enterprises, empowering members to create sustainable income sources.

Through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, the DSWD remains steadfast in its mission to promote productivity and self-reliance among program participants, helping them move toward a stronger and more successful future, together with the valuable support of local government units.