ALBAY PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, in collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs), recently hosted a series of impactful events aimed at fostering economic growth and self-reliance within local communities.

These activities included the turnover of community stores, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and the launch of eleven Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs), benefiting a total of 219 Albayanos across various municipalities, with a combined livelihood grant amounting to PHP 2,835,000.

In Brgy. Sampongan, Libon, Albay, the SNK Sampongan SLP Association, comprising 30 members, celebrated the opening of its community store, made possible by a PHP 300,000 grant from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Concurrently, the department conducted several training sessions, including Capability Building Training on Financial Literacy, Basic Bookkeeping and Monitoring, and Market Enterprise Development Training.

These sessions were designed to equip participants with essential skills for managing their livelihood projects, improving financial decision-making, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their enterprises.

In Brgy. 1, Malilipot, Albay, the Mabini SLPA marked the turnover and ribbon-cutting of their new community store, also funded by a PHP 300,000 SLP grant. The event was attended by DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, Municipal Mayor Cenon B. Volante, and MSWDO Mary Ann Bea-Del Rosario, who supported the 20-member association.

Additionally, DSWD Bicol, in partnership with LGU-Sto. Domingo, launched nine SLPAs in the municipality, offering livelihood opportunities to 149 Albayanos. These projects include general merchandise, hog raising, agri-vet supplies, community stores, tricycle transport services, and fish pond ventures, with a total grant allocation of PHP 2,235,000.

These initiatives align with the SLP’s core objectives: empowering marginalized communities by providing access to resources, enhancing participants’ skills, and promoting sustainable economic development across the region.

During the turnover ceremony, RD Laurio emphasized the importance of utilizing the grants effectively and maintaining the success of these projects through their mainstreaming phase.

“Ang mahalaga, mapangalagaan niyo ang binigay na kabuhayan sa inyo ng DSWD. Nandito ang DSWD at ang mga magigiting na field staff ng ahensya para kayo ay gabayan at tulungan sa mga pagsubok na pagdadaanan ng inyong mga grupo,” he stated.

(The important thing is that you take care of the livelihood provided to you by the DSWD. The DSWD and its dedicated field staff are here to guide and assist you through the challenges your group may face.)

The SLP is designed to assist vulnerable individuals and communities by fostering entrepreneurship, financial independence, and long-term economic growth. Through financial support, capacity-building activities, and access to market linkages, DSWD Bicol and its partners continue to enhance the livelihoods of Albay’s residents, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future.###