Spearheaded by Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) released a total of PhP 3 million Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) to 600 beneficiaries in the town of Bayambang, Pangasinan.
A total of 578 tricycle drivers, vendors, farmers, and other micro entrepreneurs received a seed capital of PHP 5,000.00 each on 6 – 8 July 2021 while the remaining are for reschedule since some are on quarantine.
Zenaida S. Dizon, a 60-year-old widow and puto vendor shared that she stopped selling for some time since her supposed capital was spent on her family’s daily needs. She is currently supporting her youngest daughter’s schooling and two grandchildren who are living with her.
“Nang dahil sa pandemic nabaon kami sa utang ng pamilya ko kaya napakalaking tulong nitong ibinigay ng gobyerno para sa aming mahihirap (Because of the pandemic, my family and I are in debt. This assistance given by the government is a big help for us who are poor),” she added.
RD Gopalan said that the agency is not only giving cash assistance but most of all, capability building sessions to ensure the success of LAG. “Ang dinadala po namin sa inyo sa Sustainable Livelihood Program na LAG ay ang matulungan kayong makatayo sa inyong mga paa para mapalago ang inyong negosyo. Mahalaga ang kaalaman dahil dala ninyo ito habambuhay. Ang gamit ay madaling maubos kung hindi nagagamit ng tama. (What we are bringing you through the Sustainable Livelihood Program’s LAG is the assistance for you to stand on your own and grow your businesses. Knowledge is important because this is something you will carry for lifelong. Material things could be gone easily when not used wisely),” RD Gopalan explained.
In addition, RD Gopalan encourages the said beneficiaries to support each other’s businesses for faster recovery and a more inclusive growth by maximizing the concept of the value chain.
The LAG distribution is a partnership between DSWD FO 1 and the local government of Bayambang. (by: Radz Bismonte, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)
