The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), has provided 38 million pesos seed capital funds to support nearly 2,000 farmers and small vendors in the province of Pangasinan during the inauguration of the Rosales Agricultural Trading Center in Barangay Tomana East, Rosales, Pangasinan.

The awarding of the seed capital was personally led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with DSWD Field Office 1 Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan. A total of 1,984 beneficiaries, organized into 91 SLP Associations (SLPAs), will benefit from the program.

These SLPAs, primarily from the 5th and 6th districts of Pangasinan, will run their business at the trading center.

Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that this project is the first collaboration between the DSWD and the Department of Agriculture (DA). 

The Training Center was turned over to the Local Government of Rosales, with its construction funded by the DA. Meanwhile, the DSWD, through the SLP, provides capital to farmers and small vendors to help them grow and sustain their businesses.

“We always hear from our President about the Whole-of-Government Approach. One National Government Agency (NGA) cannot do it alone, all departments must join forces to help those in need,” he added.

To ensure the project’s long-term success, local government units will actively monitor its implementation.

“DSWD is known for ayuda, which is important, but social development is even more crucial. Long-term programs are essential to lift our fellow countrymen out of poverty,” Secretary Gatchalian highlighted.

One of the beneficiaries is Virgilio Gandela Jr., President of Nangapugan Vegetable and Onion Group, a SLPA in San Quintin, Pangasinan. He said, “We really want in our association to sell our products directly to the market without going through the middlemen and agents.

“We are exited because we now have our direct place to sell our products. Moreover, this capital from the SLP will be used to buy machineries and seedlings that we can use in planting,” he added.

Additionally, farmers and vendors will receive training and technical support from the DA to strengthen their livelihood groups and access other government programs.

DSWD Field Office 1 will also assist in forming a project management team to oversee the initiative and explore more opportunities for expansion to other areas in Pangasinan. (by Henry J. Juyno, Information Officer II, Social Marketing Unit)