What started as a livelihood initiative has evolved into a thriving community enterprise for 30 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Manaoag, Pangasinan, after a ₱450,000 grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) helped them establish a printing and souvenir business.

Members of the Sinag ng Manaoag PWD Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) launched SINAG Prints & Creations through the agency's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), producing customized souvenir shirts, tote bags, mugs, and other printed items for clients from both the public and private sectors.

Before organizing the association in 2024, many members struggled to earn enough to meet their daily needs. Through the SLP, they were able to build a sustainable enterprise that now serves schools, government offices, religious institutions, and private customers.

Among the beneficiaries is Alberto Libag Manipon, who said the program gave him renewed hope after a 2024 accident left one of his legs impaired and forced him to stop working temporarily as a beautician.

“At first, I thought I would never recover. But after becoming part of our SLPA, I found a new direction in life. With the support of my fellow members, I never felt that I was lacking anything. It was as if 59 other feet were standing beside me,” Manipon said.

The association's operations expanded with support from the local government of Manaoag, which provided production space at the town auditorium.

Schools in the municipality have since become regular clients. The Pangasinan Persons with Disability Affairs Office also commissioned advocacy shirts for its Disability Summit held in San Juan, La Union, in March, while the Minor Basilica of Manaoag tapped the group to produce uniforms.

The association was likewise invited to showcase and sell its products during the Centennial Anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, one of the town's major religious celebrations.

The quality of the group's products has also drawn positive feedback from foreign visitors.

“I really love the designs. I'd love to bring some for my friends in the Cayman Islands,” one visitor said after viewing the association's products.

Like many emerging enterprises, the group faced challenges in managing and sustaining its business. DSWD FO 1 provided continuous mentoring and capability-building activities, equipping members with skills in financial planning, business management, and enterprise sustainability.

Association president Arnold Llamido Calizo said the program transformed what once seemed unattainable into reality.

“Through the SLP, our dreams have become attainable. The capital, guidance, and trust given to us became the bridge that enabled us, as persons with disabilities, to contribute to the development of our community,” Calizo said.

Calizo added that for their association, PWD also means "Persons with Determination," reflecting the resilience that enabled members to build a sustainable livelihood.

DSWD Field Office 1 said the success of the Sinag ng Manaoag PWD SLPA demonstrates how livelihood assistance, combined with skills development and community support, can empower persons with disabilities to become productive entrepreneurs while inspiring other communities across Region 1.