Bohol and DSWD formalize collaboration to elevate livelihood program delivery—the core message: united efforts to lift families out of poverty with sustained training, resources, and support.
In Tagbilaran City, the provincial government of Bohol and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have formalized a convergence memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen how the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) operates within the province.
Both the DSWD and the provincial government bear a mandate to assist local governments, civil society groups, and communities in the fight against poverty through empowerment and improved living standards. The MOA outlines a coordinated approach to share resources so government aid to low-income households is more effective and less fragmented.
Representing the signing were Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, with SWAD Bohol lead Jimmy Crucio acting on her behalf.
The agreement envisions an implementation model for the livelihood program where the province delivers parallel skills training, technical assistance, and ongoing monitoring to help SLP projects thrive.
Governor Aumentado described the development as a clear statement of shared dedication to uplifting poor and vulnerable families through purposeful and compassionate service.
Under the MOA, the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) will bolster SLP associations (SLPAs) by conducting workshops and hands-on training on cooperatives, business management and operations, bookkeeping, internal controls, continuity planning, and risk management.
The MOA also links the provincial agriculture and veterinary offices to widen SLPAs’ access to new technologies and farming practices, along with training, knowledge-sharing, animal disease management, veterinary services, and technical guidance on livestock production.
The Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office will assist SLPAs in growing into micro, small, or medium enterprises through capacity-building activities, investment briefings, and trade promotion support.
Aumentado emphasized that the partnership operationalizes a robust convergence model, delivering livelihood skills training, technical assistance, and sustained mentorship to beneficiaries—including both 4Ps and non-Pantawid households.
The PCDO and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Civil Society Organizations also acknowledged 37 cooperatives already accredited by the provincial board that are now eligible for government assistance.
As part of the MOA, the provincial government, via the PCDO, distributed a livelihood grant totaling P543,896 to the Cagwang Farmers Association in Garcia Hernandez for a mini rice milling operation, and P300,000 to Bamboo Artisanong Mag-uuma Bol-anong Lumad (BAMBOHOL) for a bamboo livelihood project in Danao, Bohol.
This initiative signals a concerted effort to scale up sustainable income opportunities across the province, aligning with broader poverty reduction goals and the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
What are your thoughts on this model of convergence between provincial offices and national agencies? Could this approach set a standard for other regions, or might it face challenges in implementation at the local level?
