ISABEL, LEYTE — Grassroots economic development received a major boost in western Leyte as community-based organizations in Barangay Tubod secured vital financial backing. The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP), in active partnership with the Local Government Unit of Isabel, officially turned over ₱1.11 million in livelihood assistance on October 8, 2026.
Empowering Local Cooperatives Through Seed Capital
Held at the SB Session Hall, the ceremonial turnover was led by DSWD-SLP Implementing Project Development Officer II Kyra Mae Poria and Monitoring PDO II Jennifer Canillas, alongside Mayor Bennet Pongos. The substantial funding was distributed as Seed Capital Funds to two local associations aiming to expand their income-generating capabilities:
TML SLP Association: Headed by Jinque Pelostratos Roble and comprising 15 members, the group received ₱480,000 to fund their commercial Egg Laying Livelihood Project.
Tubod Community SLP Association: Led by Shiela Porcare with 21 members, the association received ₱630,000 to jumpstart and scale their General Merchandise Livelihood Project.
Building Long-Term Community Resilience
Local officials noted that the financial assistance is specifically designed to help beneficiaries strengthen existing enterprises and establish stable, long-term sources of income for their families. The turnover event was also attended by MSWD Head Alma Mañosa and PESO OIC BJ Alcantara, highlighting a unified local governance approach to poverty alleviation.
The successful collaboration between DSWD-SLP and the municipal government underscores an ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable, community-based enterprises and expanding economic opportunities for families across Isabel.
