FLORA, Apayao – Twenty-one beneficiaries from the Apayao Friends Rescued Agriculture Cooperatives (AFRAC) received financial aid totaling over PhP500,000 during the awarding ceremony held in Upper Atok, Flora on May 24.
Each beneficiary received PhP20,000, with 50% allocated to their cooperative and 50% for individual income improvement. Provided by the provincial government under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Apayao Socio-Economic Efforts Needed for Growth (ASENG) program, this assistance aims to enhance livelihoods.
The SLP is a capability-building program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provides access to opportunities that increase the productivity of the livelihood assets of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, to improve their socioeconomic well-being.
Additionally, the Cordillera office of the DSWD and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) offered educational aid for the beneficiaries’ children. Each child received up to PhP6,000 to cover school expenses like supplies, transportation, and other related costs. DSWD supports the reintegration of former rebels by providing educational assistance to their children and families. By Michelle Acantilado
