MAMBURAO, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO – DSWD FO MIMAROPA through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) participated in the 74th Arawatan Festival and Trade Fair held in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, from November 7 to 15, 2024.

The event provided an invaluable platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and talents, while also celebrating the province’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural products.

For the SLP, it was an opportunity to highlight its ongoing efforts to empower marginalized communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives.

SLP program participants proudly displayed a wide range of products, including handmade crafts, local food items, textiles, and agricultural goods, reflecting the creativity and resourcefulness of the province’s residents.

Further, the event exposed them to new markets but also connected them with potential buyers, business partners, and stakeholders, which will help them grow and sustain their businesses.

It generated a total sales of ₱38,912.00 that will have a meaningful impact, providing beneficiaries with increased income to support their families, reinvest in their businesses, and explore new market opportunities.

In addition, DSWD MIMAROPA also conducted an information caravan that highlighted the SLP to gain knowledge and increase awareness for potential program beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

Local initiatives such as the Arawatan Festival is a testament to its unwavering commitment to inclusive development, poverty reduction, and fostering self-sufficiency among underserved communities in Occidental Mindoro and beyond.

Through this annual gathering, the DSWD’s engagement and participation not only raised awareness of the program’s success stories but also highlighted the government’s dedication to building a more prosperous and equitable society.

Contributor: Flor Clarisse A. Carbajal, SLP Occidental Mindoro Provincial Partnership Officer