DWUP: Mushroom cultivation flourishing

CEBU , Philippines —  Contrary to criticisms, the livelihood program and several financial assistance distributions spearheaded by the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) are "flourishing" and are, thus, being strictly monitored.

Lawyer Butch Librando, DWUP head, in an interview yesterday, said the latest "payout" or distribution of livelihood assistance fund to the beneficiaries was done on March 27, 2025.

Since then, he said, a series of monitoring and site visits were conducted in the areas of Barangays Budlaan, Quiot, and Binaliw.

He said that this mushroom-growing and production livelihood program involved providing a seed capital of P4,000 to participants.

He added the DWUP has ensured that the amount is used specifically for cultivation where beneficiaries are required to purchase five fruiting bags.

Librando explained that while he was among those trained to make fruiting bags, beneficiaries are expected to buy them since producing the bags is a tedious process. He added that beneficiaries were also instructed to store these in a cold area, noting that fruiting bags cannot grow under direct sunlight.

Currently, there are 9,450 beneficiaries of the mushroom cultivation program have already received their seed capital, out of the 10,000 that DWUP originally intended to support.

In the project proposal, Librando said his office initially aimed for a P50-million in funding but only P40-million was allocated.

Of the 9,450 beneficiaries, the total assistance had already translated to P20 million.

"Kay ang uban (supposed beneficiaries), di man maka submit sa ilang mga requirements gud," said Librando.

He stated that the beneficiaries underwent profiling and orientation. He also emphasized that they had to turn down several applicants who failed to comply with the necessary requirements.

The requirements included application forms, an identification card, voter's registration certificate, a barangay clearance, and attendance in the orientation.

As of now, due to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ban on the disbursement of public funds, Librando said the DWUP has temporarily suspended the distribution and it would after the elections.

It can be recalled that one of the issues raised before the Cebu City Council was the alleged lack of monitoring of beneficiaries in the livelihood programs, which is essential in evaluating its success.

Librando, however, said they have been implementing monitoring measures, stressing that it is not difficult since most members are part of homeowners  associations.

 Dali ra pagmonitor kay naa may mga community development workers nga na assign anang mga homeowners association. So, sayon ra pag monitor namo,  he said.

Librando said assessed that the mushroom initiative is flourishing, but highlighted that results will only be seen two months later, not just two weeks after the launch.

Addressing questions on why DWUP is leading the livelihood Initiative, Librando said the department is not limited to housing and relocation programs but it is also tasked to ensure a sustainable livelihood for its beneficiaries.

 Naa man gyud nay basic services, livelihood components, naa man gyud na sila. Part man gyud na sa amoang housing Dili raman na housing ra gud, holistic man na. Human settlements man ang program nato diri, unsaon pag improve sa lives,  he explained.

 Naa man gyud mi livelihood ng DWUP. Siguro ng mga previous years wala siguro gi-implement sa director sa DWUP, pero ako gyud gi-implement,  he added.

Apart from the mushroom cultivation program, DWUP is also providing starter kits for dishwashing soap-making, candle-making, and meat processing.

As of now, these starter kits have been given to around 1,500 beneficiaries, with a budget allocation of P1 million.   (CEBU NEWS)