Four farmers and vendors associations in southern Negros Occidental received PHP2.4 million in seed capital through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Negros Island Region.

In a report on Thursday, the SLP-Negros Occidental said the Daug Fish Sanctuary Vendors Association (DAFISAVA) was granted PHP600,000 on Sept. 15 to launch and operate a community restaurant and snorkeling gear rental business.

The Daug Marine Reserve and Sanctuary is a rising tourist destination in Hinoba‑an, the southernmost local government unit of Negros Occidental.

“Congratulations to DAFISAVA on this well‑deserved support. May this assistance help strengthen your livelihood and bring more opportunities to your members and the community,” Mayor Daph Reliquias said in a separate statement.

In Ilog, three associations each received PHP600,000 in seed capital to support their chosen enterprises.

The recipients are the Canlamay Small Farmers Association, which will operate a mobile rice machine; Barangay 1 Erpat Laborers Association, motorcycle parts and accessories; and Consuelo Small Vendors Association, general merchandise.

“This represents another meaningful step toward providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthening community organizations and empowering beneficiaries to build better and more resilient sources of income,” Ilog’s municipal social welfare and development office said in a statement.

The SLP is a capacity-building program for the identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities aimed at providing viable interventions and support to improve the program participants’ socio-economic conditions by accessing and acquiring assets to engage in and maintain a thriving livelihood. (PNA)