Weavers, e-bikes, eggs: Iloilo City groups score DSWD funding

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Eight community-based associations in Iloilo City have received a total of PHP 3.65 million in livelihood assistance from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The financial assistance will serve as seed capital for various income-generating projects aimed at providing sustainable sources of income for association members and their families.

The SLP is the DSWD’s national capability-building program that provides seed capital and skills support to poor and vulnerable households to help them establish micro-enterprises or access employment.

The Iloilo City Weavers Association received the largest allocation of PHP 900,000 for its weaving enterprise.

The Hopeville Sambag SLP Association and the Kauswagan Sambag SLP Association each received PHP 550,000 to establish e-bike service businesses.

The Arukahik Sewers Association was granted PHP 600,000 for its sewing enterprise, while the Tubigan sa Maria Clara SLP Association received PHP 300,000 for a water supply project.

Another PHP 300,000 was provided to the Camalig-IRPS Association to expand its existing egg-laying business.

Meanwhile, the Lanit Senior Citizens SLP Association was awarded PHP 250,000 for rice retailing, and the Mandurriao SLP Association received PHP 200,000 to operate a variety store.

With the latest release, a total of 11 community-based associations have benefited from the program, including the San Juan Association and the South Fundidor Onsite Association, which earlier received support for their rice retailing projects.

To further expand livelihood opportunities, the Iloilo City government also allocated an additional PHP 2 million this year for the SLP, increasing the city’s total contribution to PHP 5.5 million for homeowners’ associations.

Beneficiaries will also receive capability-building activities, regular training, monitoring, and organizational support through the formation of a federation to help sustain their enterprises.

City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the city’s support for the program ensures that livelihood opportunities are accessible to all sectors, including senior citizens.

“This is a great opportunity for our beneficiaries and their families. I was deeply touched when I heard that, for the first time, our senior citizens felt recognized through this program,” she said.

“That is why we continue to ensure that our programs are inclusive and that everyone is given the opportunity to improve their lives,” the city mayor added.