Three associations in Negros Occidental are now operating various enterprises that can provide them steady income through the assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

A report of the DSWD-Negros Island Region (NIR) on Tuesday showed the beneficiaries are the Bagtic United Workers Association in Silay City, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Small Vendors Association in Ilog town, and Sipalaynon Laborers Association in Sipalay City, all of which were launched on the last week of January.

Each received a seed capital fund (SCF) of PHP600,000.

The SCF is a grant used by program participants as start-up capital to purchase raw materials, tools, and equipment needed to start or expand their small businesses.

With the opening of its bakery business on Jan. 30, the Bagtic United Workers Association aims to provide stable income for its members and help boost the local economy.

“The funding provides the association with the necessary resources to manage a sustainable community business. The agency will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to ensure the long-term success of the association,” the DSWD-NIR said.

In Ilog, the OFW Small Vendors Association kick-started a meat shop and egg retailing enterprise in Purok Bougainvillea, Barangay Vista Alegre on Jan. 29.

“The project opens new livelihood opportunities for its members and aims to provide sustainable income for the families of OFWs,” the DSWD-NIR said. “It is expected to contribute to the economy of the barangay and ensure the availability of affordable and fresh meat and egg products for the community”.

The Sipalaynon Laborers Association, which launched a general merchandise project on Jan. 27, intends to provide its members with a steady source of income through a community-managed store.

“By offering essential goods locally, the sustainable livelihood association hopes to build a sustainable business that benefits both the members and the wider neighborhood,” the DSWD-NIR said.

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 necessary assets to engage in and maintain a thriving livelihood. (PNA)