The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Davao Region is making significant strides in poverty alleviation, reporting robust figures for its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in 2025. The initiative has successfully extended crucial support to thousands of beneficiaries from the region's most vulnerable sectors, focusing on building long-term self-sufficiency rather than offering temporary aid.
Empowering Vulnerable Groups with Tangible Results
Last year, the program created opportunities for a diverse range of recipients. Official data shows that 1,961 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) were served, alongside 1,170 senior citizens, 486 solo parents, 88 persons with disabilities, and 27 youths. A major focus was on households from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with the SLP reaching an impressive 9,054 4Ps beneficiaries. This achievement represents 143 percent of the program's target for this group, playing a critical role in the 4Ps exit strategy to graduate families from conditional cash transfers.
A Program Built on Capability, Not Just Capital
Phyllis Laine M. Venus, the SLP Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Operations, clarified the program's core philosophy. She stressed that the SLP is fundamentally a capability-building program that invests in human capital. "We emphasize that our team is working under a capability-building program. It is not that after receiving the grant, they will be gone or gain nothing," Venus explained. Beneficiaries are required to complete a series of training sessions before receiving any seed capital. This ensures they possess the necessary skills to effectively manage and sustain their chosen livelihood ventures.
"Our vision is that in the long run, they can stand on their own through the assets, capital, or livelihood," she added. This approach is now formalized under a new five-phase sustainability plan guided by Memorandum Circular No. 03, Series of 2025. The framework introduces streamlined processes, standardized tools, and digitalization, moving through distinct stages: Punla (orientation/seed capital), Usbong, Sibol, Yabong (growth/expansion), and finally Ani (self-reliance/sustainability). Close monitoring is emphasized, particularly during the initial Punla Stage.
Updated Guidelines and How to Access Support
Dexter M. Lara, the SLP Regional Program Coordinator, highlighted updated financial guidelines. Under the new cost parameters, individual beneficiaries can access up to P20,000 in seed capital. For those forming associations, the support can reach up to P30,000 per member. The most popular livelihood projects in the region are retail enterprises and agriculture-based initiatives, the latter being especially vital in far-flung areas.
For interested individuals, the process begins by approaching DSWD workers in their local municipalities. Applicants must complete a profile form, undergo an orientation session, and pass an eligibility screening. Venus noted that those who do not meet the SLP's criteria are not simply turned away; they are referred to other government programs or agencies that can better address their specific needs, ensuring a comprehensive support system where no household is left behind.
