The Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) awarded P249,000.00 worth of capital assistance to three (3) Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) associations from the cities of Pasay and Navotas during its flag ceremony last July 22, 2013.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan handed over the ceremonial checks to the representatives of the three associations namely: Matiyaga, Sama-sama Together and Leongson SEA-K Associations.

Director Bonoan said the recipients of the capital assistance are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Set-1) who will be completing the five-year implementation of the program.

“Through our sustainable livelihood interventions to the set-1 beneficiaries, we will be able to help improve their well-being, so that when they are no longer receiving grants from Pantawid Pamilya program, they will be able to continue to provide the needs of their family,” Bonoan added.

Melinda Labanon, a Parent Leader and President of Leongson SKA from Navotas City was grateful for the seed capital because it enabled her to put up a small business. Also, she expressed her gratitude for the positive developments that the Pantawid Pamilya program brought to their lives.

“Malaking tulong ang Pantawid Program sa amin dahil ang nakukuha kong grant para sa dalawang anak ko ay talagang nagagamit sa pagbili ng mga gamit nila sa eskwelahan. Noong nagkaroon ng Pantawid sa buhay namin, parang nabawasan ang problema ko,” shared Melinda.
Director Bonoan also announced that from 2011, DSWD-NCR has served 277 SEA-K Associations or 4,941 families and provided a total amount of PhP 30,763,500.00 capital assistance.

“This is part of our commitment to the Department’s strategic goal to improve the well-being of the 13,475 household beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the National Capital Region,“ Bonoan concluded.