To strengthen and improve the program and ensure that its livelihood interventions are innovative and remain responsive to the needs of its participants, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the new Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Along with the enhancement of guidelines of SLP, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his speech, “The new Sustainable Livelihood Program is patterned after the progress of a plant. Like a plant, we grow with you. We make sure that we plant the seed, we nurture it, we water it, we watch it grow and turn it into something bigger than what it was.”
In behalf of Luzon cluster, Aringay Veggies’ treasurer Rosalie Gatchalian, a beneficiary of DSWD Field Office 1 – SLP, imparted her testimony on how the program changed her life and the members of their association. “Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa DSWD lalong lalo na sa SLP sapagkat, bukod sa natugunan namin ang pang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng aming mga pamilya ay ipinaramdam sa amin na marami pa pala kaming kayang gawin. Pinausbong kami ng SLP nang may malasakit at pagkakaisa. Pinayabong niya ang aming kakayahan. Dahil dito, natitiyak naming maganda ang aming aanihin sa hinaharap (We are very grateful to DSWD especially to the SLP because they gave us the feeling that we can accomplish more than just provide for our families’ needs. SLP made us grow with compassion and unity. It enriched our ability. Because of this, we are sure of a good harvest in the future),” shared Rosalie.
Moreover, the DSWD FO 1 showcased the festive culture of Ilocano in its booth during the event’s bazzar while promoting the products of its beneficiaries from the four provinces of Region 1. “Salamat SLP sa isa na namang pagkakataong makasali sa ganitong event, mas nakikilala ang aming mga produkto, mas napapalago ang aming negosyo, at nakatutuwang malaman na mas pinaganda pa ngayon ang programa (Thank you SLP for another opportunity to participate in this event, our products are more recognized, our business grows more, and I’m happy to know that the program is now even better),” said Ursula Arce, a beneficiary from Ilocos Sur.
The event also presented the new brand of the program. The plant symbolizes the growth and amelioration of the socio-economic status of the beneficiaries while the hands symbolize the program participants.
The revamped SLP envisions transforming poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities through sustainable and resilient livelihoods. Its new sustainability plan will further enhance the program implementation to a more effective and timely social and development service given to the program participants. (by: John Chris B. Zureta, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)
