Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 has announced the distribution of food assistance to nearly 6,000 families and cash and livelihood aid to over 1,000 individuals in the Bicol region over the past two months.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio reported that the aid was provided with assistance from local government through various programs, including the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

For the SLP, a total of PHP13.4 million in livelihood grants were distributed in December last year to 910 small business owners in Camarines Norte. These grants are intended to support the establishment or expansion of microenterprises such as rolling stores, community stores, welding shops, and other ventures. Laurio emphasized that the DSWD will monitor the progress of these enterprises and explore areas for further intervention to ensure their success.

In addition, 200 potential participants in Masbate have been validated for the SLP. These individuals are expected to receive capacity-building interventions and support for proposed microenterprises, including goat and poultry farming, vegetable farming, and other ventures. The aim is to help underprivileged Bicolanos achieve economic progress and sustainability.

Meanwhile, families affected by severe weather in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte received almost 6,000 family food packs (FFPs) to address immediate food needs. The distribution targeted barangays that were hardest hit by continuous heavy rains. In Camarines Sur, 3,176 FFPs were distributed to the towns of San Fernando, Milaor, and Sag±ay. In Camarines Norte, 2,469 FFPs were delivered to several barangays.

Additionally, the local government of Milagros in Masbate, in collaboration with DSWD-5, distributed stipends to 192 parent leaders of the 4Ps program. The PHP192,200 stipends, funded by the local government, aim to provide financial assistance for transportation and communication expenses, as well as to encourage continued participation and contributions to the program.