The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), reported that more than 200,000 Filipinos from vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors were provided livelihood opportunities as the new year began.

The agency said SLP extended livelihood assistance to 235,074 beneficiaries as of 30 November 2025. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that the program reflects DSWD’s role as more than just an “ayuda” provider.

“The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is among the primary programs of the Department, addressing its mandate to provide development. Hindi lang puro welfare or ayuda,” Dumlao said on Tuesday.

“Ang SLP ang matibay nating programa na nagsusuporta sa ating kagustuhang mabigyan ng development opportunities ang ating mga kababayang nasa sektor na bulnerable,” she added.

The DSWD spokesperson said SLP offers two main tracks for beneficiaries. Under the Microenterprise Development Track, which supports the start-up and expansion of small businesses, 200,704 beneficiaries were assisted before the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, other beneficiaries were enrolled under the Employment Facilitation Track, where they receive training and logistical support to help them secure employment.

DSWD noted that SLP is implemented in strategic phases to ensure beneficiaries are prepared for long-term livelihood sustainability and are not given only one-time assistance.

Program beneficiaries undergo a five-year Livelihood Sustainability Plan, which follows a phased approach designed to deliver ladderized and systematic interventions aimed at helping them achieve resilient and sustainable livelihoods.

The first phase, Punla (Seeding), focuses on equipping participants with basic skills and knowledge in business management and workplace readiness. This is followed by Usbong (Sprout) and Sibol (Budding), which emphasize capacity-building and partnership linkages.

The final stages—Yabong (Fruition) and Ani (Harvesting)—allow beneficiaries to manage their livelihood projects with minimal assistance.

According to Dumlao, the phased approach is crucial in monitoring beneficiaries and ensuring that the assistance provided leads to long-term sustainability.

“The five phase approach is also important to us as livelihood beneficiaries are continuously monitored and provided with technical assistance so that we ensure that their livelihood projects become sustainable. Hindi po natin sila iniiwan pag naibigay na ang assistance. Patuloy po ang ating pagmonitor sa kanila,” she said.