Bago city: Thirty-three associations in Bago City, Negros Occidental are recipients of more than PHP17 million in total projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). On Tuesday, the egg-laying project of San Jose Farmers Association in Barangay Calumangan was launched, led by Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao and association chair Reynaldo Caballero.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 28-member association received a seed capital of P500,000 through the DSWD-Negros Island Region (NIR). Project development officer Geljane Premacio mentioned that other organized associations in the city are also on the verge of launching their projects. Premacio expressed hope for the successful implementation of these endeavors, similar to the San Jose Farmers Association's initiative.
Mayor Yao highlighted the project's significance in promoting food sustainability and providing livelihood opportunities for the community. She emphasized that the program reflects a belief in the community's capacity and the positive outcomes of dedication and hard work. The program aims to address not only immediate needs but also to build lives on hope.
The San Jose Farmers Association, organized with assistance from the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor, was endorsed to the DSWD through the Program Convergence Budgeting under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty. The association currently produces 90 eggs daily from 90 heads of chicken, utilizing a 200-square meter production site within a one-hectare communal area.
Caballero, the association chair, stated that the eggs are primarily for community consumption and are sold at farmgate prices. He expressed gratitude for the government's support, acknowledging the project's significant contribution to the community's livelihood.
The SLP is a capacity-building program targeting poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities. It aims to provide interventions and support that improve socio-economic conditions by helping participants access and acquire necessary assets for sustaining a productive livelihood.
