The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated PHP7.2 million for various intervention projects aimed at improving the lives of indigenous peoples (IP) and the homeless in Central Visayas, an official announced on Thursday.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of DSWD 7, said this funding, distributed over 10 months this year, has supported 35 enhanced support services intervention (ESSI) projects that also benefit vulnerable groups such as farmers, fisherfolk, and residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The interventions include eco-cultural livelihood assistance, income generation initiatives, community and youth development programs, small-scale community projects, alternative family homes, and cash-for-work opportunities to help beneficiaries meet their basic needs.

“In Bohol, our ESSI projects include rice and feed retail operations, as well as the production of liquid detergent, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner in Barangay Bugsoc, Sierra Bullones, along with capital assistance for retail store management in Barangay Del Carmen Weste, Balilihan,” Lucero noted.

In Cebu, projects approved for funding include capital assistance for the Hagdan Dried Fish Association in Barangay Hagdan, Santa Fe; rice and feed retailing in Barangay Hilotongan, Bantayan; hog raising in Barangay Esperanza, Poro Island; and native chicken poultry production in Barangay Kanghumaod, Dumanjug.

Funding has also been approved for goat fattening in Barangay Cangguhob, Mabinay, Negros Oriental; egg layer production in Barangay Tubod, Bindoy; and support for the Barangay Poblacion 1 RCCT L2 Consumers Enterprise project in Bais City.

In Siquijor, the initiative includes a swine raising project in barangays Cang-alwang and Tongo.

Lucero emphasized that ESSI funds function as a revolving fund—locally known as “pahulam na walay” (loan without interest). (PNA)