The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided eligible individuals with livelihood assistance grant (LAG), a report from the City Media Bureau.

The LAG is a financial assistance granted to families whose sources of livelihood were affected by the implementation of the community quarantine due to the Coronavirus disease (Covid) pandemic.

On April 20, 2022, DSWD-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) started the simultaneous distribution of LAG through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to beneficiaries in Tagbilaran City held at the City Hall Atrium.

Moreover, Gindy Ferolino, DSWD Administrative Assistant 2 and Lenibeth Algame, DSWD Project Development Officer 2, facilitated the payout.

According to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Desiree Faith Lingo, more than 700 beneficiaries already benefited from the project which started last year.

City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II in his message stressed the importance of having a stable source of income.

“Aside from nurturing their families, women help men to provide food on the table. This livelihood assistance is relevant in difficult times, specifically during this COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette. It will provide the needed push to our women to go on despite challenges,” Mayor Yap said.

The DSWD said LAG is the recovery and rehabilitation program of the national government, with the aim to assist families whose small enterprises or sources of livelihood were affected due to lockdowns and community quarantine restrictions.

Those who are qualified for the LAG receive an amount not exceeding P15,000.

The program prioritizes households with low-income or whose small business were affected by the pandemic.

DSWD suggests using the LAG as capital for the recipient’s business. It can also be used to finance the requirements of beneficiaries who are seeking employment.

Associations or cooperatives may also seek assistance offered under the LAG. It is the local government unit (LGU), which identifies the potential beneficiaries of LAG.

The list of beneficiaries will then be submitted to the DSWD field offices including the LGU’s livelihood recovery project proposal for verification purposes.