CEBU, Philippines - Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Negros Oriental’s first district received a total of P8.4 million from DSWD’s Self Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEAK) Program.
The money was distributed to the beneficiaries who were enrolled in the program in 2008 and would graduate on 2013.
Vallehermoso town got the highest amount at P2 million for 260 beneficiaries, followed by La Libertad with P1.7 million for 269 beneficiaries, Ayungon with P1.6 million for 240, Bindoy (P1.5 million for 230), Tayasan (954,000 for 140), and Jimamalud (P588,000 for 85 beneficiaries).
The interest-free loan from SEAK gives each beneficiary a chance to be economically active through small scale entrepreneurship they themselves identified to undertake, such as hog and livestock raising, sari-sari stores and barbecue stand, among others.
They were trained, through capability building workshops, on making business proposals, basic bookkeeping, financial management and most of all saving strategies were given to them as a pre-requisite of their loan. DSWD-7 director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre told the recipients: “Use the money properly so by the time you would graduate from the program you have crossed over poverty.” (FREEMAN)