DSWD chief rolls out livelihood assistance, visits projects in Camarines Norte
By Rosalita Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rolled out more than P4.2 million in livelihood assistance and toured community support projects in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, on Wednesday, October 7.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian distributed livelihood checks to 13 beneficiaries of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Livelihood Program (PLP) and two beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in Vinzons.
Gatchalian, along with local officials including Governor Ricarte Padilla and DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio, also visited the Vinzons Kakanin Makers project and the KALAHI-CIDSS Barangay Health Station in Calangcawan Sur, Vinzons.
The initiative was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts, under the direction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., to provide Bicolanos with timely, responsive, and people-centric social services, particularly in light of the country’s lingering energy crisis.
“Gusto ng ating Pangulong PBBM inyo may krisis kayong pinagdadaanan, tumakbo kayo sa DSWD, at ang gobyerno ay dapat nakakatulong, mas marami kaming ginagawang agarang tulong pinansiyal,” Gatchalian said during the livelihood check distribution.
(Our President ‘PBBM’ wants that whenever you are going through a crisis, you go to the DSWD and the government should be helping, so we are providing more immediate financial assistance.)
“What we are doing now is a long-term development program to lift the lives of our people out of poverty, so while helping in the short term, we also have long-term solutions,” he said.
Gatchalian expressed happiness over the organized groups that have received checks from the DSWD.
He said that the funds can be shared to help others find employment and benefit the community.
Gatchalian highlighted the success of the Kakanin Makers Self-Employment Program, which began with only a few members and a small capital investment from the DSWD.
Today, it has grown into one of the most well-known and largest businesses, serving as an excellent example of what collective effort can achieve.
“Kung kaya nila ay kaya rin inyo (If they can do it, you can do it too),” Gatchalian said, adding that he hoped they could grow their respective chosen businesses.
“On behalf of the people of Camarines Norte, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our President for the numerous interventions and I ask that we work together and unite in supporting our President, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.,” Padilla said.
Padilla emphasized the importance of the assistance provided by both the national and local governments.
He said that the recipient associations are fortunate to receive such support, and he hopes that these initiatives will be sustainable in the long run.
Among the groups that received assistance was the Bakiad Greenery Association.
“First of all, I want to thank Sec. Gatchalian for the funds provided to our association, which will serve as additional capital for the piggery and store we are setting up,” said Manuel Ortega, president of the Bakiad Greenery Association, in Filipino.
The Bakiad Greenery Association consists of 30 members engaged in hog raising, meat processing, and the sale of hog feed. They received P100,000 to support their hog raising and breeding activities.
Ortega said that most of the members are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and this business venture is intended to provide them with a source of income after graduating from the program.
Additionally, the Poblacion II Luntian SLP Association, part of the SLPA beneficiaries, received P225,000 for a hydroponics farming project as part of the zero hunger initiative.
Gatchalian also participated in the Family Development Session MaPangBata, or “Parents for Child Development,” alongside 4Ps beneficiaries at Vinzons Pilot Elementary School.
The session focused on strengthening positive parenting practices and offering more effective guidance for child development.
Extending frontline governance services, the National Bureau of Investigation offered free clearance processing for 200 individuals; the Parole and Probation Administration and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines offered free legal assistance, while the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office provided police clearances, help desk support, and hot meals under its Project BUSOG initiative.
“It is essential to safeguard the welfare of children and guide them properly as they grow, as parents play a major role in shaping their opinions and decisions,” Gatchalian said.
Another highlight of the visit was the barangay health station located in Barangay Calangcawan Sur, Vinzons.
The facility was funded by the DSWD, with an allocation of over P1.2 million in 2022. The project was developed to address the community’s challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, several beneficiaries received P300,000 each. These included the following organizations: Guinacutan Women’s Choice, Mangcawayan Swine Producers, Matango Party Needs Rental, Aguit-it AgriMart, Sto. Domingo Farmer, Pusya Ladies Event Service, Luksaran, Sikap Uno Komunidad, CalNorte Stitch Queens, Calabaca Livestock Farmers, Tuaca Rice Retailers, Tuaca Garment Production, and Tuaca Handicraft Makers. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)
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