For the 27 farmers of the Kangwayan Maabtikon Association (KAMAS) in Madridejos town in Cebu province, the path to a better future began with a single opportunity from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The KAMAS’ journey began on Sept. 13, 2023 when the group received Php405,000 in seed capital fund (SCF) under the SLP. With determination and a shared vision, the association launched a hog-raising business with 30 heads.
In just three months, the association was able to distribute Php7,755.14 in profit sharing for each member. At the same time, the KAMAS reinvested in its members welfare by launching an Emergency Fund Program for their medical needs, while also acquiring annual accident insurance for everyone.
Building on its success, the association achieved another milestone in August 2024, when it acquired a 200-square meter of land valued at Php50,000.
This advancement qualified them for the Product Diversification and Development Grant (PDDG), an incentive under the SLP for use in support of product enhancement and value-chain development in the existing livelihoods of the program participants.
Following the awarding of the PDDG, the SLPA wasted no time in using the grant to start an egg-laying business. This was a significant development and diversification from their hog-raising business. Their new venture opened with a 200 ready-to-lay chickens in August 2025.
KAMAS Secretary Jane Therese Lumbab shared that their success stems from unity and perseverance.
“We found the egg-laying business challenging, but we accepted it with open arms. It is a new experience for us and additional income, too,” Jane said.
The association’s members attribute their achievements to the grants provided and to their commitment and active participation in the capacity-building activities provided by the program.
The success of KAMAS is a proof of what the SLP can make possible when paired with a community’s dedication.
From receiving seed funding to owning land, launching businesses, and building a social protection mechanism, the association embodies the spirit of the program to empower Filipinos in shaping their own economic progress.
The SLP is a community-based capability-building initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of its participants. The program operates in two tracks: Micro-Enterprise Development (MD) Track and Employment Facilitation (EF) Track.
The MD track focuses on the establishment of microenterprise through provision of financial capital, enhancement of skills, and building / re-building physical and natural assets. The EF track provides assistance to qualified member/s of poor households who preferred employment rather than engaging in microenterprise. (CC)
