The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), has started giving grants to residents in Masbate province that will provide additional financial resources to entrepreneurs, an official said on Tuesday.

In a phone interview, Jastine Joy Dichoso Escuro, DSWD-Bicol project development officer for SLP, said 321 residents from Aroroy and Uson towns got on July 25 PHP15,000 each or PHP4.81 million in livelihood assistance.

She said beneficiaries in Albay, Sorsogon, and Camarines Norte provinces are scheduled for SLP payouts this August.

“These individuals from Masbate province and their small businesses were badly affected by the inflation, so they needed additional financial resources; that’s why SLP gave livelihood assistance,” she said.

She said most of the projects are on food security such as grocery stores, vegetable selling, variety stores, and fishing.

In a statement, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio emphasized the agency’s goal to provide financial support, hope, and a pathway to a better future through the SLP.

“These recent grants in Aroroy and Uson underscore our commitment to improving livelihood opportunities for the people of Masbate,” Laurio said.

SLP aims to empower disadvantaged individuals and families by equipping them with the resources and training needed to build sustainable sources of income, with focus on capacity-building and resource allocation. (PNA)