Misamis Occidental — Violeta Gimena of Biasong, Lopez Jaena, this province, always makes sure to involve her whole family with pottery making, a common business in her community.

Realizing the rich supply of clay soil in her village, Violeta, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, set up a small pottery shop.

But, Violeta only earned a minimal income since she cannot cope with the increasing demand of pottery products in the neighboring provinces of Misamis Occidental.

Violeta’s dream of expanding her business was answered when the Department of Social Welfare and Development introduced the Sustainable Livelihood Program to her in April 2012, along with other 105 Pantawid Pamilya family beneficiaries in her fishing village.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human investment program of the Department that invests in the education and health of poor families, particularly of children aged 0-18 years old. On the other hand, the SLP is the Department’s livelihood intervention that aids poor families by incapacitating them to become financially and economically stable.

With the P10,000 additional capital, Violeta with her husband Arthur and three children ventured to expand their market in Lanao del Norte and in the neighboring islands of Siquijor and Bohol.

To meet the increasing demands of supply, Violeta hired three workers.

“With my business, the future of my children is secured,” Violeta happily disclosed, adding that, “the price of success is dedication, hardwork, and unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.”

With DSWD intervention, Violeta claimed that, “Kaya naming ang Pagbabago!”###

Today, there are now 1,718 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Lopez Jaena who are also enjoying the benefits of SLP.

Written by Oliver Badel Inodeo, DSWD Northern Mindanao