CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — More than 13,000 households across the CALABARZON Region gained new and sustainable sources of income in 2025 as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IV-A rolled out expanded livelihood opportunities under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
DSWD IV-A reported that a total of 13,792 households received P257.81 million in livelihood assistance to support the establishment of micro-enterprises. These ventures include community stores, hog-raising, vegetable farming, duck raising, rice retailing, and other small-scale businesses aimed at strengthening local economies and promoting self-sufficiency. Of the total beneficiaries, 13,720 households have already started operating their livelihood projects.
The livelihood support covered five provinces, with Batangas recording the highest number of beneficiaries at 4,683, followed by Quezon at 3,514, Laguna at 2,718, Rizal at 1,878, and Cavite at 999, reflecting the program’s wide reach across the region
Beyond financial assistance, the SLP emphasized capacity development and collective enterprise management, as beneficiaries were organized into associations and trained in basic entrepreneurship, financial management, and cooperative operations. This approach aims to enhance not only income generation but also social cohesion and long-term enterprise sustainability.
For community leaders like Vilma Madridejeos, president of the Golden Harvest Cupang SLP Association in Bauan, Batangas, the program has created shared economic opportunities at the barangay level. Their 30-member association received P450,000 in start-up capital, which they invested in a duck-raising and salted egg production enterprise launched in November 2025.
According to Madridejeos, “Napakalaking tulong nito sa aming mga miyembro dahil nagbibigay ito ng bagong pagkakakitaan para sa amin at sa buong barangay.”
In Mabini, Batangas, Ruby Serafin, president of the Majuben’s Leading Light SLP Association, highlighted the program’s dual impact on income and personal development. “Maliban sa tulong pangkabuhayan, natuto akong makisalamuha sa aking mga kagrupo at lalong nahahasa ang aking kakayahan sa pagnenegosyo,” said Serafin.
Their 16-member group established a community store in early 2025, generating dividends for members while strengthening their skills in teamwork and small-scale business management. Serafin reported receiving P4,500 in dividends by September 2025, reflecting early gains from the enterprise.
To safeguard the continuity of these livelihood projects, DSWD Field Office IV-A continues to conduct regular monitoring, mentoring, and technical assistance through its SLP project development officers. This post-implementation support is crucial in addressing operational challenges and ensuring that enterprises remain viable beyond the initial funding period.
The SLP remains a key government strategy in poverty reduction and inclusive growth, shifting households from short-term aid to self-sustaining sources of income, while empowering communities to participate actively in local economic development. (CCM PIA CALABARZON/DSWD4A)