Lebak, Sultan Kudarat – To empower local communities and improve the lives of disadvantaged families, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), collaborated with BRAC Philippines to conduct a dry run of SLP Padayon field activities.

The dry run transpired in three specific areas: Villamonte, Keytodac, and Salangsang in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

It aims to support 17 operational and active Padayon Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations within these geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays.

During his visit, Municipal Mayor Frederick F. Celestial of Lebak expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an important step towards positive change in the lives of disadvantaged communities in Lebak.”

Maria Baylon, the Program Director of BRAC-UGPI Philippines said, “Our advocacy is truly to assist the government. The graduation initiative is designed to bolster the government’s social protection and poverty reduction programs, making a more substantial impact.”

Said activity integrates the Graduation Approach into community-based projects, enhancing the coaching and mentoring skills of DSWD Field Level officers, and gathering valuable experiences and insights from in community projects.