MALAYBALAY City, Bukidnon — Nine local associations in Malaybalay City received ₱2.7 million in livelihood grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help families in conflict-vulnerable communities build sustainable sources of income.
The grants, released Aug. 26 under the Peace and Development-Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PD-BBM) program, gave each association ₱300,000 for small businesses and livelihood activities.
For former combatants and other vulnerable residents, the assistance is intended to help them rebuild their livelihoods and become more self-reliant as they return to civilian life.
Alias Rexal, a former combatant, said the funds would help sustain their farms by paying for seeds, crop inputs, and other operating costs.
“The seed capital granted to us is a big help,” Rexal said.
Grants meant for long-term livelihood
DSWD PAMANA Director Miramel Garcia-Laxa urged the beneficiaries to treat the grants as working capital for sustainable enterprises, rather than short-term financial assistance.
She said the success of the projects will depend not only on the initial government funding but also on how communities manage the assistance and participate in decisions affecting their livelihood projects.
Garcia-Laxa also emphasized the need to consider community concerns and respect local and tribal heritage when implementing development programs.
Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque likewise urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly.
“Use the assistance wisely — not only to meet today’s needs, but to build a better livelihood and create more opportunities for tomorrow,” he said.
For farm-based families, the capital can help keep agricultural activities operating and reduce the need to borrow money for production expenses.
Support continues beyond the grant
The PD-BBM program provides livelihood assistance, skills training, and psychosocial support to communities affected by conflict.
DSWD social workers provide individual case management, while the agency coordinates with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on small-scale community infrastructure projects.
The assistance also supports the reintegration of former armed group members and other vulnerable residents into their communities.
Indigenous rituals opened the Aug. 26 activity, highlighting the role of local culture in community peace and development efforts.
For the nine Malaybalay associations, the ₱2.7 million provides starting capital—but the bigger test will be whether the funded enterprises generate sustained income after the initial government assistance is spent. ( With a report from AFFR/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
