The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is more than just financial aid — it is a bridge to self-reliance. The program aims to empower Filipinos by giving them the resources and opportunities to start and grow their own businesses.
One inspiring story that highlights the impact of this program is that of Priscilla E. Soliva, a solo parent from Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
From Candy Seller to Food Trader
For many years, Soliva’s livelihood revolved around selling a single product: tira-tira (cocoa candy bars). Her small-scale business was just enough to meet her family’s daily needs. But her determination pushed her to slowly expand her product line to include breadsticks, banana chips, and sugar-coated peanuts under the brand Pris Homemade Food Trading.
However, like many micro-entrepreneurs, she faced challenges — the most difficult being the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted her operations and threatened the survival of her business.
A Fresh Start with DSWD-SLP
Hope came in September 2022 when she received a ₱15,000 Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) from DSWD-SLP. This financial support allowed her to:
- Buy additional raw materials
- Improve her production capacity
- Introduce new product varieties
- Rebuild her business after the pandemic
As a result, Soliva’s products are no longer limited to her barangay. They are now being sold in various towns across the Dinagat Islands, giving her a wider market reach.
Transforming Her Family’s Life
According to Soliva, the program not only helped her business grow but also changed her family’s future. With her improved income, she was able to send her child to college and provide for all their household needs.
Her business is now more than just a source of income — it’s a source of opportunity. Soliva hires regular workers, part-time students, and even senior citizens from her community, giving them a chance to earn extra income.
Support Beyond DSWD
Aside from DSWD, Soliva also received assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the local government of San Jose. These partnerships helped her better manage her production area, which she built just a few meters from her home.
Lessons from Soliva’s Journey
Soliva’s story proves that success comes from a mix of:
- Determination – never giving up despite challenges
- Support Systems – government programs like DSWD-SLP that provide capital and training
- Discipline & Growth Mindset – continuously learning and improving operations
Her journey from selling a single candy product to becoming a recognized food producer in her province is a shining example of how small businesses can thrive with the right help and mindset.
About DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)
The Sustainable Livelihood Program is one of DSWD’s flagship initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable and marginalized Filipinos. The program provides:
- Seed capital for microenterprises
- Skills training for livelihood projects
- Market linkages to ensure sustainability
Through SLP, beneficiaries are given a pathway to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs, reducing their dependency on external aid in the long run.