BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development has disbursed 12.925 million pesos in seed capital funds to sustainable livelihood program associations across six local government units in Negros Occidental to bolster community enterprises and boost local economies.
The funds, released under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, were distributed to associations in the municipalities of Ilog and La Castellana and the cities of Cadiz, Murcia, San Carlos and Talisay, the agency’s Negros Island Region office said in a statement Friday.
In Ilog, seven associations received a combined 4.1 million pesos. Recipients included the OFW Small Vendors Association, which runs a meat shop and egg retailing business, and the Calubang Workers Association, which operates an agri-supply trading operation. Five other groups received funds ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 pesos each for ventures such as variety stores, general merchandise and farm machinery rental services.
La Castellana saw the largest single allocation, with 13 associations sharing 5.385 million pesos. The Child Development Workers Association received 600,000 pesos for a water refilling station, while several farmers’ and laborers’ groups were granted 450,000 pesos each for agricultural supply and variety store projects. Other recipients received 400,000 pesos or, in one case, 100,000 pesos for product diversification.
The remaining 3.44 million pesos went to associations in Cadiz City (1.3 million pesos), Murcia (980,000 pesos), San Carlos City (600,000 pesos) and Talisay City (560,000 pesos).
The DSWD said the assistance is intended to strengthen community-based enterprises, promote local economic development and enhance the income-generating capacities of organized associations.
The seed capital funds are grants that program participants use to purchase raw materials, tools and equipment to start or expand small businesses. The initiative supports the agency’s broader goal of helping poor and vulnerable households improve their socioeconomic conditions through access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.
