MALATE, METRO MANILA — DSWD MIMAROPA signed a partnership agreement with fifteen (15) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) stakeholders from National Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, Academes, and Financial Institutions today, September 10, 2024, at Armada Hotel Manila, Malate, Metro Manila.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the Department and partner stakeholders committed to establishing a complementary implementation of SLP that provides access to technical, financial, and market resources for the program participants. More so, a referral mechanism will be provided for the participants to avail of the Partners’ development programs to enhance sustainable micro-enterprises that lead to the improvement of their socio-economic conditions.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Leonardo C. Reynoso, CESO III, who led the ceremonial signing, gave a brief history of SLP and how the partnership evolved, and encouraged the SLP partners to extend their programs to other DSWD programs. “Partnership is about resource-sharing. This ceremonial signing will just be a point of entry for other engagements with DSWD. I hope we can all find ways on how to extend the partnership to other DSWD programs to help more poor, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals and communities.”

SLP National Program Manager and Director IV Miramel Garcia-Laxa, RSW, MPA commended the SLP Regional Program Management Office (SLP-RPMO) and emphasized that the activity is the first regional MOA signing with program partners across the country. 

Director Garcia-Laxa thanked the partners’ unwavering support which is vital in program implementation and stressed that the MOA signing represents more than a formalization of the collaboration; it holds the immense power to transform lives, reshape futures, and unlock opportunities for the program participants. 

Among the stakeholders present during the ceremonial signing were the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST),  Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Marinduque State University (MaRSU), Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), Mindoro State University (MINSU), Romblon State University (RSU), Palawan State University (PSU), First Consolidated Bank, Inc., AGREA Agricultural Communities International Foundation Incorporated, and Roadbook Centre Inc.

“As we continue to build trust and work together, your presence to this partnership journey is just the start of a new beginning together with the SLP beneficiaries whom we called as program participants.”, OIC Asst. Regional Director for Operations and Concurrent SLP Regional Program Coordinator Sheila S. Tapia shared in her closing message. “May this ceremonial signing bind and sustain our convergence towards the success of the program implementation,” Director Tapia concluded. 

Each signature in the MOA marks the continuous promotion of good partnerships with stakeholders in implementing the program and represents a commitment to deliver a package of services that addresses poverty and promotes inclusive growth amongst the SLP participants.

The ceremonial activity also served as an avenue to showcase and vend the products made by the program participants from the five provinces – native handicrafts, beads, and food items from Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, morion collectibles from Marinduque, marble and crochet products from Romblon, and souvenir items from Palawan.