Manila: Sustainable livelihood program associations (SLPAs) in six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have been granted PHP12.925 million in seed capital funds (SCFs) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to bolster their community-based enterprises.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-NIR recently distributed a total of PHP4.1 million in SCFs to seven associations in Ilog town as part of the initiative.
The grants are designed to empower community-based enterprises, stimulate local economic development, and boost the income-generating capabilities of organized associations within the municipality. Among the recipients is the OFW Small Vendors Association, which runs a meat shop and egg retailing business. They, along with the Calubang Workers Association, Sitio San Ramon Vendors Association, Balicotoc Small Farmers Association, Camalarang Farmers and Laborers Association, and San Jose Villa Farmers Association, received PHP600,000 each. The Tabu Farmers and Vendors Association, operating general merchandise, was awarded PHP500,000.
In La Castellana town, 13 SLPAs have been allocated a total of PHP5.385 million in SCFs. The Child Development Workers Association secured PHP600,000 for a water refilling station project. Several associations, including the Cabacungan Integrated Baji-Baji Farmers Association and the Cambugnay Farmworkers Association, were each provided with PHP450,000 for agricultural supply projects. Additional associations, including the La Castellana United Electricians Association and La Castellana Tent Makers Pastors Association, received PHP400,000 each for general merchandise projects. The Star Ka Farmworkers Association was granted PHP100,000 for product diversification and development.
Furthermore, PHP3.44 million in SCFs was distributed across four more LGUs: Cadiz City, receiving PHP1.3 million; Murcia, PHP980,000; San Carlos City, PHP600,000; and Talisay City, PHP560,000. The DSWD-NIR emphasized that this assistance aims to strengthen community enterprises, promote local economic development, and enhance income-generating capacities of organized associations across the municipalities.
The SCF serves as a grant for program participants to acquire raw materials, tools, and equipment necessary to initiate or expand their small businesses. This initiative is in line with the DSWD's mission to aid poor and vulnerable households in improving their socio-economic conditions by providing access to essential assets for sustainable livelihoods.
