DSWD rolls out millions in Pamana funds for Mindanao provinces

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ramped up its peacebuilding and economic initiatives through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program, distributing millions in livelihood seed capital and launching cultural preservation efforts across multiple provinces.

The formal launching ceremony took place on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Folk Arts Theatre, Kaamulan Grounds here, bringing together local government units (LGUs), Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, and people’s organizations (POs).

The ceremony featured the inauguration of the Pamana LGU-Led Indigenous Peoples’ Sacred Rituals and Cultural Rites and the ceremonial check turnover to local POs.

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Miramel Garcia-Laxa, DSWD Central Office National Program Management director, said the Pamana program highlighted a whole-of-government approach aimed at reaching vulnerable sectors in conflict-vulnerable areas, safeguarding cultural heritage, and promoting inclusive, sustainable development.

As part of the rollout, the DSWD awarded P10.2 million in seed capital for Bukidnon’s PO based in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, and in the towns of Pangantucan, Impasugong, Kibawe, San Fernando, and Baungon.

In this city, nine POs each received P300,000 for livelihood venture such as corn farming.

An additional P300,000 will follow once project growth is verified.

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Prior to disbursement, these groups underwent rigorous social preparation and capacity-building on financial management and project administration alongside partner agencies like Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For Misamis Oriental, P5.1 million in seed capital has been turned over to 17 POs spanning five municipalities and two cities.

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In Misamis Occidental, P3.6 million has been slated for distribution to 12 POs this September.

Several POs in Lanao del Sur are also slated to each receive P300,000 to assist their identified projects

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Through these synchronized financial interventions and cultural initiatives, the DSWD-Pamana program continues to solidify community resilience, ensuring that marginalized and conflict-affected sectors achieve long-term economic independence while preserving their ancestral traditions, Garcia-Laxa said. /mr