Koronadal City—South Cotabato’s new livelihood program aims to provide a business opportunity for residents at the grassroots level, ensuring the 165 beneficiaries of Holding Opportunity for Productive Entrepreneurship (HOPE) Program have a chance to increase daily earnings.
Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. said the assistance is not predetermined. Community organizers assured the P1.6M worth of livelihood assistance is community-based.
“The assistance is not a dole-out and, the beneficiaries need to repay the Provincial Government with no interest,” the Governor reminded the recipients during a turn-over ceremony held recently.
With program implementers Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Barangay Affairs Unit, Tamayo handed cash assistance to six groups. Each member received P10, 000.
Two groups from barangays of General Paulino Santos and Concepcion of the City of Koronadal accepted the assistance. Meanwhile, one group from each town of Tantangan, Tampakan, Norala, and Polomolok is one of the initial beneficiaries.
Eighty-five percent of the beneficiaries are into trade and commerce.
Next year, the Provincial government will identify and distribute livelihood assistance to residents of far-flung communities.
“I want this program will uplift the economic status of our poor residents. No one will be left behind,” Tamayo added.
