BANSUD, ORIENTAL MINDORO | A new milestone in local economic development was achieved as five (5) newly formed Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) received seed capital fund (SCF) grants from DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA, while two (2) SLPAs advanced from the Usbong Phase to the Sibol Phase during the awarding ceremony held at GAD Building, Municipal Compound, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, on October 3, 2025.

Bansud Mayor Hon. Ronald M. Morada who graced the event, emphasized the importance of responsible stewardship. “Pangalagaan at payabungin ninyo ang biyayang ipinagkatiwala sa inyo sa tulong ng DSWD-SLP. Huwag n’yo itong sayangin at gamitin sa hindi tama,” she advised the program participants

Villa Pag-asa BC SLPA, Villa Pag-asa C5 SLPA, Villa Pag-asa PNCL SLPA, Villa Pag-asa ATN SLPA, and Sumagui Catrol SLPA were granted P300,000.00–P580,000.00 SCF each, depending on the number of members.

Additionally, two previously organized SLPAs, Lucky 11 Alindog-Babihan SLPA, which operates a rice retailing project, and Gintong Buntil Rosacara SLPA, which manages a poultry raising enterprise, received Project Development and Diversification Grants (PDDG) worth P100,000.00 each after successfully reaching the Sibol Phase of the SLP’s 5-Phase Livelihood Sustainability Plan.

The incentives will support the expansion of their respective projects: a printing and photocopy shop for Alindog-Babihan SLPA and a mini grocery for Gintong Buntil Rosacara SLPA, respectively.

The PDDG is an additional grant provided to existing SLPAs who have shown good performance and accountability under the SLP Sustainability Plan. 

It is used to support the expansion of the existing livelihood project or venture into complementary products and/or services.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Head Violeta A. Nazareno, also present at the event, reminded the two SLPAs of their role as community examples. “Isang malaking karangalan ang makatungtong sa Sibol Phase. Kayo ay mga huwaran at magandang ehemplo para sa mga bagong asosasyon ng SLP,” she stated.

Overall, the milestone marked the Department’s commitment to sustainable poverty alleviation and inclusive economic growth through strong collaboration with the LGU, a promising step toward economic resilience and community empowerment in Bansud.