Seven community-based associations in Surigao del Norte’s Claver town received PHP2.5 million worth of livelihood projects from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an official said Friday.

Beneficiaries of the projects included women, persons with disability (PWDs), and farmers who are members of the associations.

“These projects are of great help to the different sectors in our town, especially the PWDs, women, and farmers, by allowing them to increase their incomes through micro-enterprise ventures,” Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee said in a statement.

Gokiangkee and Vice Mayor Leah Patan led the distribution of livelihood projects to the organizations on Thursday.

The projects were released through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which supports the poor by helping them engage in resource-based and market-driven micro-enterprises or employment opportunities.

Currently, the seven groups are engaged in businesses such as retailing grocery items, farm and veterinary supplies, school and office supplies, and frozen and processed food.

The beneficiary groups are the Amazing Ladgaron SLP Association, Daywan Association of PWD, Marajaw Tayaga SLP Association, Cabugo Aktibong PWD SLP Association, Ladgaron Energetic Association, Panatao Entrepreneurs Women Association, and the Sapa Rice Farmers and Millers Association. (PNA)