VICTORIA, Oriental Mindoro – Reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing inclusive development and sustaining peace in Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA, through the Peace and Development Buong Bansang Mapayapa (PDBBM) Livelihood Program, awarded livelihood assistance to 40 livelihood associations composed of 1,029 Indigenous Peoples from Oriental and Occidental Mindoro during a distribution ceremony held on July 14, 2026 in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

The assistance was provided under the Product Diversification and Advancement Grant, one of the program’s livelihood interventions designed to strengthen existing community-based enterprises through additional capital.

The grant enables organized IP groups to diversify their livelihood projects, improve production capacity, enhance product quality, and expand market opportunities, ultimately contributing to increased household income and long-term economic sustainability.

Each livelihood association received Php300,000, which will serve as additional capital to further develop their respective enterprises.

The intervention aims to promote self-reliance among Indigenous Peoples while creating more livelihood opportunities within their communities and supporting the government’s peace and development agenda.

The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen community-based livelihood opportunities that foster inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and empower vulnerable sectors, particularly Indigenous Peoples.
During the activity, DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales underscored the importance of investing in the capacities of Indigenous Peoples as partners in nation-building.

“Livelihood is more than a source of income—it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and hope. Through the PDBBM Livelihood Program, we are investing in the strengths and potential of our Indigenous Peoples communities, empowering them to become active partners in building peaceful, resilient, and progressive communities,” Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, PDBBM Deputy Program Manager Director Elvis R. Quitalig emphasized that sustainable peace can be achieved when communities are empowered with opportunities for economic growth.

“Ang kapayapaan ay mas nagiging matatag kapag ang mga komunidad ay may sapat na oportunidad upang mapaunlad ang kanilang kabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng PDBBM, patuloy nating pinalalakas ang kakayahan ng ating mga Indigenous Peoples upang maging aktibong katuwang sa pag-unlad ng kanilang komunidad at ng buong bansa,” Quitalig said.

The Peace and Development Buong Bansang Mapayapa (PDBBM) Program continues to serve as a key government strategy in addressing the root causes of poverty and conflict by promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening local organizations, and expanding economic opportunities in conflict-vulnerable and geographically isolated communities.

Through initiatives such as the Product Diversification and Advancement Grant, DSWD remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples, building resilient communities, and advancing inclusive and lasting peace across MIMAROPA.