PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), in partnership with SM Foundation, continues to strengthen livelihood opportunities for 100 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) through the conduct of a Livelihood Profiling Activity on April 28–29, 2026.

The activity was carried out in collaboration with SM Foundation for 100 KSK participants from the barangays of Maoyon, Manalo, Kamuning, and Inagawan in Puerto Princesa City. It aimed to assess the current status of their livelihoods, particularly in agricultural production, and identify opportunities for expanded market access.

It can be recalled that in 2024, SM Foundation implemented its Sustainable Agricultural Program, which provided technical knowledge and skills on farming to the beneficiaries. Complementing this, DSWD MIMAROPA SLP extended livelihood grants to help participants establish their respective income-generating activities.

A year later, the beneficiaries were revisited through the profiling activity to determine who among them sustained their agricultural ventures and to assess the extent of their market reach. The initiative also seeks to develop an updated database that will serve as a basis for broader and more effective market linkage opportunities in the future.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among partner agencies in ensuring long-term success for the beneficiaries.

“Initiatives like this highlight the value of strong partnerships between the government and the private sector. Through continuous support and the expansion of market opportunities, we are able to strengthen the capacity of our beneficiaries to sustain and grow their livelihoods,” Director Gonzales said.

At present, some beneficiaries have successfully supplied their vegetable produce to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program, SM Weekend Market, local traders, and their respective communities. This reflects the positive outcomes of the combined efforts of public and private sectors in promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Through continued collaboration, DSWD MIMAROPA and SM Foundation remain committed to providing expanded opportunities that will help beneficiaries grow their livelihoods and achieve long-term economic stability.