The province of Dinagat Islands has been granted PHP30 million by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga (DSWD-13) to support various livelihood initiatives.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. said PHP15 million of the funding will support the enterprise and economic activities of 25 civil society organizations (CSOs).

The grant, part of DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), was officially turned over to the provincial government on Monday.

Three CSOs from Libjo town — Llamera Achievers Sustainable Livelihood Program Association, Rosita Unity Sustainable Livelihood Program Association and Imelda Sustainable Livelihood Program Association — each received PHP600,000.

“We will conduct a series of fund releases to the remaining CSOs until March 12. Each CSO will receive PHP600,000, totaling PHP15 million,” Demerey said.

The governor said the SLP funding aims to empower CSOs by boosting their income through expanded enterprises and livelihood activities.

“With the new and expanded businesses of our CSOs, job opportunities will also follow, especially for local residents,” he added.

The remaining PHP15 million is allocated to another 25 groups currently completing their organization and accreditation requirements.

“Once they finalize their documentation, they can also avail of support under the SLP program,” Demerey said. (PNA)