Negros occidental: Three associations in Negros Occidental are now operating enterprises that can provide them steady income through assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the beneficiaries are the Bagtic United Workers Association in Silay City, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Small Vendors Association in Ilog town, and the Sipalaynon Laborers Association in Sipalay City, all of which were launched in the last week of January.

Each of these associations received a seed capital fund (SCF) of PHP600,000, a grant used by program participants as start-up capital to purchase necessary raw materials, tools, and equipment for their small businesses.

The Bagtic United Workers Association opened a bakery business on January 30, intending to provide stable income for its members and contribute to boosting the local economy. The DSWD-NIR stated that the funding provides the necessary resources to manage a community business and ensures the agency will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to ensure the association's long-term success.

In Ilog, the OFW Small Vendors Association started a meat shop and egg retailing business in Purok Bougainvillea, Barangay Vista Alegre, on January 29. The DSWD-NIR emphasized that the project opens new livelihood opportunities for its members and aims to provide sustainable income for the families of OFWs, contributing to the barangay's economy and ensuring the availability of affordable and fresh products for the community.

The Sipalaynon Laborers Association launched a general merchandise project on January 27, aiming to provide its members with a steady income through a community-managed store. The DSWD-NIR highlighted that by offering essential goods locally, the association hopes to establish a sustainable business that benefits both the members and the wider neighborhood.

The SLP is a capacity-building program designed for identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities. It aims to provide viable interventions and support to improve the socio-economic conditions of the program participants by accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain a thriving livelihood.