The DSWD Field Office 1 – Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) spearheaded the convergence project in partnership with the DSWD FO 1 – Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in coordination with the Local Government of Dingras, Ilocos Norte to award the Seed Capital Fund (SCF) and carabaos of  Timpuyog de San Marcelino SLP Association of the said municipality.

Timpuyog de San Marcelino SLP Association member merrily receives his carabao from the Philippine Carabao Center.

The 25 members of the Timpuyog de San Marcelino SLPA received a total amount of PhP375,000 SCF from SLP and 25 carabao from PCC. The SCF will be used for purchasing materials for housing and breeding of the carabaos. In addition, the milk produced will be sold to government agencies with a feeding program to generate income for the members.

Awarding of the Certificate of Accreditation and Seed Capital Fund to Timpuyog de San Marcelino SLPA.

Norilyn San Jose, one of the member of Timpuyog de San Marcelino SLPA, a 4Ps Graduate Household Beneficiary, and a former parent leader said “Agyamanak la unay ta uray nagradwar akon iti 4Ps ket adda latta daytoy nuwang nga pakalaglagipak iti adu nga anus ken ayat iti DSWD kadakami nga marigrigat, dakkel daytoy nga tulong para iti pamilya mi (I am very thankful because even though I graduated in 4Ps I have this carabao that will remind me of DSWD’s perseverance and love for us poor, it is a great help for our family).”

The DSWD, partner agencies, and the people behind this convergence project wish that the beneficiaries will continue to prosper their capital and carabao to help them make their ends meet. They hope to see success of this project in the future and witness the changes in the lives of the beneficiaries. #(by: John Chris B. Zureta, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)