IN A MOVE to support sustainable livelihood initiatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P4.82 million in financial assistance to 13 associations in Lapu-Lapu City under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
DSWD-SLP Cebu provincial coordinator Saturnino Camasura told reporters a total of 241 program participants received seed capital to enable them to establish or expand their own micro-enterprises.
He said each beneficiary received P20,000, deposited directly into their respective bank accounts. The amount received by each association varied based on the number of members it represented.
The 13 recipient associations include Mactan Entrepreneur Association, Mari-Bas Merchants Association, Gun-Ob Pangkabuhayan Association, Canjulao Malamboon Association, Basak Merchants Association, Ibo United Livelihood Association, Bankal Community Livelihood Association, Maribago United Livelihood Association, Mactan United Livelihood Association, Calawisan United Livelihood Association, Engaño United Livelihood Association, Marigondon United Livelihood Association and Basak Community Livelihood Association.
According to Camasura, prior to receiving the funds, the beneficiaries underwent training and orientation sessions to help them identify and develop viable business ventures.
After three months of implementation, Camasura said beneficiaries will be monitored quarterly over a one-year period to track any progress or developments.
The monitoring will be conducted in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and local barangay officials.
Project development officers will also verify if the funds were used for their approved enterprises by reviewing receipts and documents.
One of the recipients, Josepina Intong, 54, shared that she plans to use the grant to expand her existing processed food business. She said the support will help increase her working capital and grow her enterprise.
“[This is] a perfect opportunity to promote economic activity that is not only profitable but also sustainable,” said Mayor-elect Cynthia King-Chan in a speech at the Barangay Buaya gym.
Meanwhile, Congressman-elect Junard “Ahong” Chan urged beneficiaries to use the capital responsibly to alleviate them from poverty and build meaningful, long-term businesses.
The SLP is designed to empower poor, vulnerable and marginalized households and communities by strengthening their livelihood capacities and promoting inclusive economic growth. / DPC