TORRIJOS, MARINDUQUE – DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA celebrated a major achievement in community enterprise with the inauguration and blessing of two (2) portable gasoline stations operated by Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) on July 25 and 26, 2025.

The Malibago SLP Fuel Station managed by Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Malibago SLPA of Brgy. Malibago and the Cabuyo SLP Fuel Station run by Cabuyo SLPA of Brgy. Cabuyo, both SLP-funded livelihood projects are designed to provide accessible and affordable fuel services within their barangays while creating sustainable income-generating opportunities for the association members.

The event was honored by the presence of key stakeholders and local leaders, including Municipal Mayor Hon. Joey P. Peñaflor, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives, Livelihood, and Accreditation John Daryll Landoy, and Livelihood Worker/Community Affairs Officer I Kimberly Marquez, along with representatives from the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGU).

With messages of support and encouragement from both the local government and DSWD SLP, the ceremony turned into a powerful celebration of determination, partnership, and community resilience. The symbolic ribbon-cutting and blessing highlighted the association’s journey from vision to reality, shaped by extensive preparation, capacity building, and unwavering commitment from the association’s members.

“Sobra po ang aming pasasalamat sa DSWD-SLP sapagkat nagkaroon kami ng ganito kalaking proyekto na makakatulong sa amin upang umunlad at mabago ang aming pamumuhay. Hindi ko po akalain na darating kami sa ganito sapagkat napakarami po ng aming pinagdaanan upang maisakatuparan ang aming proyektong ito. Yung halos sumuko na po kami, pero kumapit pa rin po kami dahil sa sigasig at kagustuhan naming ito’y maisakatuparan. Hindi ko po talaga maipaliwanag ang aking nararamdaman sa sobrang kaligayahan na aming nararamdaman.”, shared Joel A. Regis, President of Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Malibago SLPA.

In Brgy. Cabuyo during her inspirational message, SLP Project Development Officer II Fatima Concepcion Pelaez said, “Sa bawat patak ng pawis na ibinuhos, ang sipag, pasensya, at determinasyon ang naging sandata natin. Mula sa munting pangarap hanggang sa katuparan ng proyektong ito, ang tagumpay po ninyo ang aking taos pusong hangarin. Kaya asahan po ninyo na patuloy namin kayong gagabayan hanggang sa marating natin ang inaasam na sustenableng kabuhayan.”

These livelihood ventures stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when government initiatives and empowered communities work hand in hand. Backed by DSWD SLP, the associations now have not only the infrastructure but also the skills and confidence to manage their enterprises.

The Malibago and Cabuyo SLP Fuel Stations now serve as symbols of hope and progress, fueling dreams of a sustainable future into reality.