Cagayan de Oro — The Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) recently concluded a Regional Inter-Agency Workshop (RIAW) which was actively participated by various National Government Agencies including the Philippine National Police, to signify their respective program support to the remained families of the three (3) PNP SAF members from the region.

To recall, the Mamasapano incident left an agonizing experience particularly to the families and dependents of the deceased 44 PNP SAF members, which prompted the government to continue in delivering its services in support to the affected families.

The RIAW was initially conducted by the Office of the President involving the National Government Agencies through their Department Secretaries last March 26 and 27, 2015. In continuation of their efforts, the regional office conducted this activity particularly to establish inter-agency convergence teams to identify the appropriate livelihood assistance for the beneficiaries and gather as much support to ease the lives of the remained families of the PNP SAF members.

Apart from the Department’s assistance, other agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) committed their respective livelihood assistance through employment, establishment of micro-enterprises and agro-businesses.

Other agencies particularly the National Housing Authority (NHA) also provided support for housing renovations; the Department of Health (DOH) for the hospitalization and medications of the family members; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs for technical vocations skills training and cash assistance from the Philippine National Police.

The three (3) SAF members from the region are PO3 Romeo V. Senin Jr., PO2 Chum B. Abagon who are both from Iligan City and PO2 Godofredo B. Cabanlit from Lala, Lanao del Norte.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a multi-stakeholder program of the DSWD that aims to improve the standard of living of poor households. The program facilitate opportunities for the development and management of resource-based, culturally sensitive, market driven and economically viable micro-enterprises; employment facilitation; community empowerment through skills enhancement trainings; link program participants to micro-insurance providers and promote comprehensive family-based approach and community participation.

Written by Jamila M. Taha, DSWD