The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded ₱17.7 million in Seed Capital Fund to 21 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in Pampanga to support livelihood development and create additional employment opportunities.

Each association has 30 members, benefiting an estimated 630 individuals from various towns in the province. Qualified beneficiaries also received ₱3,000 in Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) to help address immediate needs.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally witnessed the awarding, alongside DSWD Field Office 3 Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela and Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda. Also present were Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Garcia Pineda, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Nanay Partylist Representative Florabel Yatco, and former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also observed the AICS payout and was briefed on the program’s implementation.

The activity coincided with the inauguration of the Pampanga Food Security Complex (PFSC), which features mechanical rice dryers, modern rice milling systems, and storage facilities. SLPAs engaged in rice farming and trading are expected to benefit from the facility by gaining access to expanded markets for their produce.

The initiative highlights the collaboration among the national government, DSWD, Department of Agriculture, and the Pampanga provincial government in strengthening livelihoods, promoting food security, and creating long-term opportunities for Filipino families.