TACLOBAN CITY — Seven farmers’ and irrigators’ associations in Samar province have received livelihood assistance under the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program to help boost their income and strengthen community-based enterprises.
The assistance was distributed to people’s organizations from Motiong, Jiabong and Catbalogan City through the joint efforts of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8, local government units and the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion.
The beneficiary groups are the Nagbac Integrated Pamana Farmers Association, Cristina Farmers Pamana Association, Bugho Farmers Pamana Association, Pusongan Pamana Farmers Association, Calapi Irrigators Pamana Association, Cagusipan Farmers Pamana Association and Cagutian Farmers Pamana Association.
The organizations, which were established and developed in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), are expected to use the assistance to establish or expand livelihood enterprises based on the needs and available resources in their respective communities.
The Philippine Army said the program seeks to strengthen community-based livelihoods, increase household income and improve the economic well-being of beneficiaries.
As part of the assistance, members of the farmers’ and irrigators’ groups also underwent financial literacy training facilitated by DSWD project development officers.
The training covered budgeting, financial management, proper handling of organizational funds and sustainable enterprise development to help beneficiaries manage the assistance effectively and sustain their livelihood activities.
The 3rd Infantry Battalion said the initiative demonstrates how socioeconomic interventions can complement peace and security efforts by addressing livelihood concerns and helping communities become more resilient and self-reliant.
The Pamana program is among the government’s peace-building initiatives that support communities affected by conflict and other socioeconomic challenges, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The Army said it will continue working with LGUs, national government agencies and people’s organizations to promote inclusive development and support sustainable peace in Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
