Hinoba-an: Six associations in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental have received a substantial boost to their livelihood projects with a PHP2.7 million seed capital fund provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-Western Visayas (Region 6) reported that each association was awarded a check worth PHP450,000 to facilitate the operation and management of their respective livelihood initiatives. The beneficiaries include the Cemeco Culipapa Farmers Association, which received funding for agricultural farm equipment services, and the Sangke Farmworkers Association, which will invest in agricultural farm inputs and products trading. Additionally, the San Rafael Farmworkers Association and Asosasyon sang Mananagat sa Bulwangan have plans to establish a water refilling station, while the Barangay II Farmers and Vendors Association will focus on general merchandise. The Talacagay Women’s Vendors Association is set to operate a community store.

The DSWD-6 emphasized the potential impact of these funds, stating, “Through the SCF, the associations can manage their proposed livelihood projects and eventually generate income that would help them improve their socio-economic conditions.” To ensure the success and sustainability of these ventures, a series of capability-building and monitoring activities will be conducted.

The SLP is designed as a community-based program aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of its participants through capacity building. It operates via either the microenterprise development track or the employment facilitation track, paving the way for increased self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for the beneficiaries.