These POs had been identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in Cotabato Province, including communities of Barangays Bato-Bato, Lama-Lama, Kimahuring, Ilustre and Salat of President Roxas, Cotabato Province.
The areas were formerly affected by conflict brought about by communist insurgency.
Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in its report Saturday said that prior to the grant, the five POs who received P300,000 each as starter for their respective chosen livelihood program assistance have undergone assessment survey and training with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII.
SLP is a community-based capacity building program that seeks to improve the organization’s socio-economic status.
Tessie L Begoy, president of Ilustre Multi-Sectoral Farmers Association (IMSEFA) is thankful for the assistance given to the organization.
“We never thought that the local farmers of President Roxas would gain the attention of the government let alone become a recipient of the SLP. We thank the DSWD XII, PLGU Cotabato, LGU President Roxas and 39IB for this opportunity to improve the lives of the farmers,” Begoy said in a statement.
Begoy also assured to take care of the project and commit to protecting the peace in their community.
39th IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ezra L. Balagtey said the unit who assisted the DSWD in reaching out to these communities expressed appreciation to the synergy of effort of the LGUs of Pres Roxas.
Balagtey said the turn-over highlights the concern of LGUs in said communities and unified efforts and commitment of various agencies through Whole-of-Nation Approach in addressing the socio-economic aspect of armed conflict.
Photos from 39th IB