The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has been actively distributing various forms of assistance to the region’s residents. Over the past two months, nearly 6,000 families received food aid, while over 1,000 individuals benefited from cash and livelihood support. DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio highlighted that the aid was distributed through multiple programs including the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In December, the SLP provided PHP13.4 million in grants to 910 small business owners in Camarines Norte, aimed at helping them start or expand their businesses. These grants are intended for a variety of microenterprises such as rolling stores, community stores, and various service and agricultural ventures. The DSWD plans to monitor these businesses to ensure their sustainability and success.
In Masbate, the DSWD identified 200 potential participants for the SLP, who will receive support for ventures like goat and poultry farming, vegetable farming, and other small-scale businesses. The goal is to empower underprivileged Bicolanos to achieve economic growth and build a sustainable future.
Additionally, nearly 6,000 family food packs were distributed to families in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte affected by the shear line, addressing their immediate food needs following weeks of heavy rain. Specific areas like San Fernando, Milaor, and Sagñay in Camarines Sur, and several barangays in Camarines Norte received these packs.
In a separate initiative, the local government of Milagros in Masbate, in collaboration with DSWD-5, distributed PHP192,200 in stipends to 192 parent leaders of the 4Ps. These stipends, funded by the local government, are meant to cover transportation and communication expenses, and also serve as recognition of the leaders’ dedication to the program.