Two people’s organizations (POs) from the town of Socorro in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, received livelihood projects from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) in separate turnover ceremonies held Thursday.

In a statement Friday, the DSWD-13 said the projects were released through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the agency.

The Tanawan Consumers Sustainable Livelihood Program Association received motorcycle spare parts livelihood project amounting to PHP488,727.

The other group, the Nueva Estrella Women’s Sustainable Livelihood Program Association, was also awarded with a general merchandise amounting to PHP488,728.

“DSWD-13 Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga and Asst. Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes led the handing over of the projects to the beneficiaries,” the DSWD-13 said.

It said some 60 members of the two associations will directly benefit from the livelihood projects.

Rolando Erong and Jheia Guy-ab who lead the two groups expressed gratitude to the government and vowed to work hard to sustain their respective projects.

The SLP is a capability-building program of the DSWD for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities by helping them improve their socio-economic conditions. (PNA)