Residents receive seed capital funds through sustainable livelihood program

By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Mark speaking in front of a crowd of Lucena City residents during the distribution of seed capital funds on Januar...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mayor Mark speaking in front of a crowd of Lucena City residents during the distribution of seed capital funds on January 16th. The initiative, part of the Sustainable Livelihood Program, aims to empower residents to improve their economic standing and contribute to the city's growth. (Mayor Mark)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Over 500 Lucena City residents recently received financial aid from the local government, thanks to a seed capital fund distribution led by Mayor "Kuya Mark" Don Victor Alcala. The initiative, part of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aims to empower residents to improve their economic standing and contribute to the city's growth.

Mayor Alcala spearheaded the distribution, demonstrating his commitment to providing opportunities for residents to create a more prosperous future for themselves and their families. He personally handed out the financial assistance to each beneficiary, emphasizing the importance of their role in the city's economic development.



He also expressed his gratitude to all the agencies and officials involved in the program, highlighting the significance of the seed capital fund in supporting and improving the livelihoods of Lucena residents. He emphasized that this is just one of the many programs that the city government is implementing to help residents achieve their full potential and contribute to the city's economic development.

The SLP is a government program designed to help individuals and communities escape poverty by providing them with the means to generate income and improve their quality of life. This is achieved through comprehensive interventions that include skills training, financial assistance, and access to markets and resources.

Through the SLP, participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in income-generating activities, fostering self-reliance and sustainable economic development. This includes training in various fields such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, and other entrepreneurial endeavors, empowering them to become active contributors to the local economy.

The program, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Senators Pia Cayetano and Peter Cayetano, aims to provide financial assistance to help residents establish or expand their livelihoods. Beneficiaries were chosen based on a set of criteria including economic need and the potential for their proposed businesses to thrive, ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively.

Vice Mayor Roderick "Dondon" Alcala expressed his full support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to uplift the lives of Lucena residents. He believes that investing in the people is equivalent to investing in the city's own future and creating a cycle of sustainable growth.

Several city councilors, including Danny Faller, Wilbert Mckinly Noche, Patrick Norman Nadera, Americo Lacerna, Chistian Ona, Beth Sio, and Baste Brizuela, along with Niñel Pedro and Willy "BMW" Baldonado, were also present to show their support. Their presence highlighted the unified commitment of the city's leadership to the well-being of its citizens and their dedication to fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish.

CSWDO OIC Mayshell Rañada and POPCOM Head Melanie Ornillo were instrumental in the successful distribution of the funds. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the process was smooth and efficient, and that the funds reached the intended beneficiaries.

This initiative underscores the local government's commitment to empowering its constituents and fostering economic growth within the city. The local government hopes these small businesses will not only provide income for the individuals but also contribute to the overall economic vitality of Lucena. This program provides opportunities and lays the foundation for a stronger and more resilient local economy.