Davao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) said its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has served 139,533 beneficiaries from 2017 to the first semester of 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, nearly 14,000 beneficiaries received support annually through livelihood grants, enterprise development, organizational strengthening, and employment facilitation. "It came from various sectors but most of them are qualified poor, vulnerable and marginalized families," said April Sarah Soberano, DSWD-11 SLP regional system data analyst, during a press briefing.
Since its implementation in 2011, the SLP has expanded opportunities for poor Filipino families to establish sustainable sources of income through two major tracks -- microenterprise development and employment facilitation. Under microenterprise development, 13,301 participants were assisted. This included 6,557 participants in the Punla (seed) Phase, where they learn skills and receive initial funds, and 6,744 participants in the Usbong or Sprout Phase, where the DSWD monitors business progress.
Soberano emphasized the agency's advocacy for institutionalizing the program, which is now on its second reading in Congress. "If it will be approved, it will bring a big impact to the Filipinos as it provides more projects and more beneficiaries," she stated. Institutionalization seeks to establish SLP as a permanent national program with a stronger legal framework for implementation, funding, and partnerships.
Once enacted, the institutionalization will ensure sustained funding, strengthen convergence among government agencies and partners, expand enterprise development and employment opportunities, and improve access to markets and financial services. The program also aims to promote accountability, monitoring, and sustainability, while ensuring the continuity of livelihood assistance regardless of changes in administration.
Through capacity-building interventions, livelihood assistance, employment facilitation, and strategic partnerships, the SLP continues to enable beneficiaries to become self-reliant and economically productive members of their communities.
