ORIENTAL MINDORO – DSWD FO MIMAROPA awarded a total of Php 12,824,000.00 seed capital fund (SCF) to fifty-four (54) Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in the municipalities of Roxas, Gloria, Pinamalayan, and Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro from October 17 to 30, 2024.

This funding is the start-up capital for each SLPA for their approved livelihood projects which aims to generate and increase their income to improve their financial well-being.

The amount of Php5,370,000.00 was awarded to 14 SLPAs in Mansalay, Php1,545,000.00 was allocated to 9 SLPAs in Gloria, Php3,209,000.00 was to 14 SLPAs in Roxas, and Php2,700,000.00 was distributed to 17 SLPAs in Pinamalayan for their livelihood activities such as farming, small retail ventures, and other micro-enterprises, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of their community.

SLP Provincial Coordinator Marites C. Pones, assigned SLP Project Development Officers, local government officials, and SLPA members attended the ceremonies.

Pones encouraged the SLPAs to manage the funds carefully, highlighting the importance of building sustainable sources of income for all members. She emphasized that financial assistance is a stepping stone toward long-term self-sufficiency and economic resilience for each SLPA.

The SLPA members also attended Micro-Enterprise Development Training (MEDT), Basic Business Management Training (BBMT), and Basic Bookkeeping and Records Management. They committed to direct the received SCF to the approved micro-enterprises to benefit all the members, ensuring a shared focus on economic upliftment.

SLP is the Department’s lead capability-building program for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities to help improve their socio-economic conditions through accessing and acquiring thriving and resilient livelihoods and/or employment.

 

Contributor: Ruelson Caiga, SLP Oriental Mindoro Capacity-Building Project Development Officer