The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has provided livelihood and employment support to more than 4.5 million poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos since its launch in 2011, as the program marks its 15th anniversary.
As of May 2026, the program has reached 4.53 million household beneficiaries nationwide, with 4.21 million served under its two main tracks: Microenterprise Development (MD) and Employment Facilitation (EF).
A large share of beneficiaries are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members, as the SLP continues to support their transition from social assistance to sustainable and independent livelihoods.
Under the Microenterprise Development track, more than 3.76 million beneficiaries have been assisted in establishing or strengthening community-based enterprises, including 154,495 served in 2026 alone.
The Employment Facilitation track has supported 450,769 beneficiaries by providing skills training and linking them to job opportunities.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the program reflects the agency’s long-term commitment to helping vulnerable sectors achieve self-sufficiency.
“Sa loob ng 15 taon, napatunayan ng SLP na ang pagbibigay ng oportunidad sa kabuhayan ay isa sa pinakamabisang paraan upang matulungan ang mga pamilyang Pilipino na makaahon sa kahirapan,” Dumlao said.
She added that the program is especially focused on helping 4Ps beneficiaries build sustainable income sources and eventually graduate from the conditional cash transfer program.
“Layunin ng SLP na bigyan sila ng sapat na kakayahan at oportunidad upang magkaroon ng matatag na pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan,” she said.
To mark its 15th year, the DSWD has organized nationwide activities highlighting success stories of SLP beneficiaries.
In Surigao del Sur, DSWD Field Office Caraga and the local government of Barobo held the Kabuhayan Festival: 1st SLP Day, showcasing locally produced goods and livelihood achievements of SLP associations.
The agency will also host the SLP Skills Advancement and Network Development toward Welfare and Economic Acceleration (SANDIWA) Conference in Quezon City on June 26, bringing together beneficiaries and partners to discuss further expansion of livelihood programs.
DSWD said the SLP remains a key poverty reduction initiative aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand economic opportunities and promote financial inclusion for low-income families.