Iloilo city: The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is transforming the lives of disadvantaged individuals and groups by encouraging entrepreneurship.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director for Operations Katherine Joy Lamprea shared insights on the sustainability of the projects provided to beneficiaries. Lamprea emphasized the government's commitment, highlighting the program as a grant and expressing satisfaction with the recipients' efforts in maintaining the investment. The SLP aims to support exiting members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as individuals from poor and vulnerable sectors, including displaced, at-risk individuals, solo parents, Indigenous Peoples, former rebels, and returning overseas Filipino workers.

DSWD's data revealed that last year, the program benefited 26,003 individuals from Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, with over PHP396.84 million in grants distributed. Among the beneficiaries, 23,663 received seed capital for their businesses, while 2,340 were provided additional support to enhance their livelihood projects. Furthermore, PHP52 million in grants was allocated to 3,548 beneficiaries from 176 conflict-vulnerable areas through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, and opportunities were extended to 14,453 4Ps members.

Lamprea noted the program's preference for group grants to maximize impact, with individual grants now set at PHP20,000. She also underscored the importance of post-grant support, such as financial literacy and entrepreneurial capacity building, which have contributed to a success rate of 60 to 70 percent for the Sustainable Livelihood Associations under DSWD.

DSWD Regional Director Joselito Estember, during a media forum, mentioned the agency's assistance in securing necessary permits and licenses for beneficiaries to operate their businesses legally. The region's achievements include hosting the National Alunsina: Kabuhayan Convention Bazaar in September of the previous year and launching a showroom at the DSWD regional office, showcasing the program's successful implementation in the area.