San Jose de Buenavista, Antique – A substantial PHP24.8 million fund from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has positively impacted 1,767 residents in Antique this year. The fund was allocated to support various livelihood initiatives within the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the fund was distributed across different segments of the SLP. PHP12.315 million was allocated to the regular SLP, PHP7.413 million as a livelihood settlement grant for families affected by the M/T Princess Empress oil spill, and PHP5.08 million for an economic relief subsidy. The beneficiaries included 821 individuals from the regular program, 607 families receiving livelihood settlement grants, and 339 rice traders who were granted economic relief subsidies. The DSWD National Household Targeting System identified indigents as beneficiaries of the regular program. SLP Antique provincial team leader Noli Valenzuela elaborated that regular program beneficiaries received PHP15,000 each for livelihood projects such as community stores and cattle-raising. The livelihood settlement grants aided families in Caluya, whose livelihoods were disrupted by the oil spill. The economic relief subsidy targeted small rice traders affected by rice price regulations under Executive Order Number 39. DSWD Regional Director Carmelo Nochete expressed hope that the SLP beneficiaries would utilize their grants effectively to further their economic prospects.