6 ORGANIZATIONS IN BONTOC RECEIVE LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE

March 9, 2024 Provincial

BONTOC, Mountain Province

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan –
Sustainable Livelihood Program (PAMANA- SLP) continues to support peace-building initiatives following the turnover and payout of seed capital funds to six Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in this capital town, on February 27, 2024.

The six organizations that received ± 300,000 each include: Mainit Livelihood Rural Improvement Organization; Maligcong Livelihood Association; Yum-mad Tawid Organization of Barangay Guinaang; Letang Farmers Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, who represented Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Araceli Shane Bayanos, and the members of the different organizations received the said assistance from DSWD Assistant Secretary (ASEC) for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns, Arnel Garcia, at the Multipurpose Hall, Provincial Plaza, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, Kabluyen emphasized the importance of the livelihood assistance provided to the six organizations and acknowledged that such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering local communities, promoting sustainable
development, and alleviating poverty. In a separate interview, Mayor Tudlong expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for their unwavering support in enhancing the well-being of the community highlighting the significance of the PAMANASLP in contributing to peacebuilding initiatives, reconstruction, and development in conflict-prone and vulnerable areas.

“We are truly grateful for the assistance provided by the DSWD through the PAMANASLP. The funds turned over
today are not just financial support but a representation of our shared commitment to a more prosperous and resilient community. The seed capital funds will undoubtedly empower these organizations to initiate sustainable projects that will benefit our constituents and contribute to the overall progress of Bontoc,” Tudlong added.

Further, the mayor assured the continued support of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) in fostering sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of its constituents as this forms part of his administration’s roadmap “ENLANGAKHA: Achieving the Vision for Dynamic Bontoc” which includes Economic Empowerment.

Also in attendance during the payout were Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., Vice Governor Francis Tauli, representatives from the OPAPRU, Retired BGen. Bismark Soliba and Thomas Killip, Sangguniang Panlalawigan
Member Joshua Fronda, municipal officials from other municipalities, personnel from the Provincial LGU and
different municipal LGUs, and personnel from DSWD-CAR led by OIC Chief of the Protective Services Division
Mary Ann Buclao, who represented DSWD-CAR Regional Director Enrique Gascon.

Christy Mae Che-es – Pangesfan, Bontoc LGU