The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) successfully completed the region-wide simultaneous distribution of Livelihood Assistance Grants (LAG) with a total grant of Php 68,485,985.67.

In accordance with the Republic Act No. 11494, LAG is financial assistance granted to eligible low-income families belonging to the informal sectors whose livelihoods were affected by the community quarantine, and can be used as (1) support to preferred micro-enterprise activities of the beneficiary; or, (2) augmentation to the expenses on pre-employment, food, as well as transportation allowance of the beneficiary during the first month of employment.

Based on the LAG implementation tracker the payouts in the six (6) provinces started last January 25, 2021, and were completed on February 17, 2021. DSWD commended the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Bicol for their prompt and efficient implementation of LAG.

Regional Director, Arnel B. Garcia said that the livelihood assistance granted to beneficiaries will complement the current efforts being exerted by the LGUs and other stakeholders to minimize the adverse economic effects being experienced by most families.

Ma. Concepcion B. Ponpon one of the recipients of LAG in Cataingan, Masbate expressed her gratefulness to the program.

“Sobrang hirap ng naranasan ng aking pamilya dahil sa pandemya, itong natanggap ko ngayong sampung libo (PhP 10,000.00) ay malaking tulong pangdagdag sa aking hanapbuhay. Maraming Salamat,DSWD-SLP.”, she said.

The program assured that those who received the assistance will be monitored and provided continuous technical assistance and capacity building.

SLP is a community-based capacity-building program that aims to improve the socio-economic condition of the participants. It facilitates interventions that expand the existing livelihood assets (human, social, physical, natural, and financial capital) of the participants so they may either have gainful employment or establish their chosen micro-enterprise. #PRNPOJ02/17/2021