The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released P900,000 worth of livelihood assistance to conflict-affected communities in Sulu as part of the government’s ongoing peacebuilding and reintegration efforts in vulnerable areas.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the ceremonial turnover of grants under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program to three community-based livelihood associations in the province.
Beneficiaries included the Bitanag PAMANA PLP Association in Old Panamao, the Buhanginan PAMANA PLP Association in Patikul, and the Kagay PAMANA PLP Association in Indanan.
Each group received P300,000 in Community Livelihood Grant or Seed Capital Fund assistance intended to support livelihood enterprises benefiting a total of 95 members.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the initiative reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that development programs reach even the country’s most remote and conflict-affected communities.
“Ang mandato po sa atin ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ay siguraduhin na walang komunidad ang maiiwan sa pag-unlad, lalo na yung mga lugar na matagal na naapektuhan ng kaguluhan at kahirapan,” Dumlao said.
The livelihood assistance forms part of the DSWD’s PAMANA Livelihood Program being implemented in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
According to Dumlao, providing sustainable sources of income is essential in maintaining peace and preventing communities from falling back into instability and conflict.
“Kapag may disenteng kabuhayan at may oportunidad ang komunidad, mas lumalakas ang pundasyon ng kapayapaan. Kaya mahalaga po na tuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng mga programa tulad ng PAMANA at Sustainable Livelihood Program,” she said.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay, Undersecretary Evelyn Aribon, Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa-National Program Management Office Director Miramel Laxa, and DSWD Field Office 9 Regional Director Riduan Hadjimuddin.
Local officials, including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II and Maimbung Mayor Shihla Tan-Hayudini, also attended the activity.
The DSWD said the program highlights the continuing collaboration between national government agencies, local government units, and community organizations in promoting peace, economic resilience, and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.