LUNA, Apayao – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) gathered local stakeholders for a discussion on the province’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) on March 11, 2025, at Star Jewel, San Isidro, Luna.
The meeting aim to assess ongoing initiatives, and to confront challenges in empowering communities through livelihood opportunities.
Project development officers from the Social Welfare and Development, municipal social welfare and development offices, SLP focal persons, and PSWDO personnel made up the 25 participants who took part in the said session.
Among the agenda of the meeting was the SLP Work and Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2025, that outlines the direction of the program, budget allocations, and upcoming activities to bolster economic opportunities for vulnerable sectors.
This was followed by a planning workshop that allowed participants to analyze current gaps in implementation and propose solutions to hurdles such as limited market access, inadequate technical support, and financial constraints that hinder small-scale enterprises.
The participants also raised concerns over practical roadblocks and pushed for more concrete measures such as strengthening local cooperatives, adapting newer marketing techniques, and expanding microfinance options to sustain livelihood.
Speaking to program implementers, Philip Uba of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office urged them to broaden their reach beyond Apayao. “Dapat lumabas din kayo, hindi lang dito sa Apayao nagco-conduct ng ganitong activities, gawin niyo din outside Apayao,” he said, to which the attendees agreed that the value of exposure and learning from best practices beyond Apayao is necessary for their growth. By Michelle Acantilado
