NEW LUCENA, ILOILO — Twenty‑two Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in Barangay Dawis have taken a decisive step from subsistence to enterprise. A newly opened commercial hub, funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program, now stands in the barangay. The facility houses three commercial units and a small grocery store, creating a permanent economic anchor for a community that previously relied on intermittent aid.
The Dawis SLP Association received ₱525,000 in seed capital to establish the hub. Two of the three commercial units are available for rent, generating recurring income for the association while providing affordable retail space. The grocery store, operated directly by the SLPA, offers essential goods to residents. The model converts a one‑time grant into a self‑sustaining enterprise.
A Program That Builds Entrepreneurs
DSWD Field Office 6 Regional Director Joselito G. Estember attended the launch and urged the association to nurture their investment. He reminded members that modest beginnings are normal in business and encouraged patience and diligence. "You are now carrying the responsibility of helping your business grow little by little," Estember said. The program also provides ongoing training in enterprise management.
The hub is backed by substantial national funding. The Department of Budget and Management recently released over ₱43.18 billion to sustain financial aid, food assistance, pensions, and livelihood programs nationwide. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the release to ensure continuous delivery of support to vulnerable sectors. The Dawis hub is one of thousands of SLP enterprises now operating across the country.
A Barangay Economy Strengthens
Municipal Mayor Carl Vincent G. Mondejar attended the ceremony and offered technical assistance to the association as needed. Punong Barangay Joebet Plomes, DSWD staff, and barangay volunteers also witnessed the launch. The collaboration between national agencies and local government ensures that the hub is not abandoned after the ribbon is cut but supported through its critical early months.
The commercial hub transforms Barangay Dawis into a micro‑economic center. Residents who once traveled to the poblacion for basic goods can now shop within their own community. The rental income from the two commercial units provides the association with operating capital and the capacity to expand. For the 22 beneficiaries, the hub represents a shift from cash assistance recipients to active participants in the local economy.
