The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a capability-building initiative to help marginalized households and communities identified by the agency to improve their economic situation. Through microenterprise and employment assistance, the SLP aims to equip disadvantaged Filipinos with resources and training for sustainable livelihoods. Understanding the application, eligibility, and program scope can help potential beneficiaries access this program to enhance their income and life quality.
This article will guide you on how to become an SLP beneficiary, including program scope, eligibility requirements, the application process, and specific benefits. Knowing these details helps interested individuals and families assess their eligibility and join the program to secure sustainable livelihood opportunities.
SLP Scope and Coverage
The SLP provides two primary livelihood assistance tracks: Microenterprise Development (MD) and Employment Facilitation (EF).
- The MD track helps individuals or groups establish small businesses through capital funding, skill-building, and asset creation.
- Under the EF track, participants are connected to job opportunities, receiving aid for job-related expenses like training and required documents.
Both tracks operate across all regions in the Philippines, serving eligible marginalized and low-income households.
To ensure program success, SLP involves a multi-stage implementation process from initial orientation to skill-building and continuous support. After an initial setup and training, beneficiaries receive monitoring and evaluation for two years to sustain their economic activities. These services are crucial for fostering economic independence and enhancing community resources.
Program Beneficiaries
SLP is open to Filipinos from economically challenged backgrounds, including those identified through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). The program targets poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, with an emphasis on inclusivity to reach disadvantaged sectors across the country. Each eligible household can have up to two members enrolled in different SLP tracks, supporting diverse livelihood pursuits within families.
Beneficiaries of the MD track must satisfy the following criteria:
- Must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent for minors)
- Must be a part of a Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA).
For the EF track, participants must be:
- At least 18 or older to meet employment age requirements.
These age distinctions ensure legal compliance and age-appropriate engagement in program activities.
Application Procedures
To apply for the SLP, potential beneficiaries must follow these steps:
Step 1: They must first attend a program orientation facilitated by the DSWD’s Implementing Project Development Officer (IPDO).
Step 2: During this session, the IPDO provides a comprehensive overview of the SLP, its benefits, and participant responsibilities.
Step 3: Prospective applicants can inquire with local DSWD offices or through community announcements to confirm the date and location of orientation.
Step 4: After the orientation, interested participants complete necessary forms and submit supporting documents.
Step 5:
- Those pursuing the MD track must engage in specific business training,
- The EF applicants must attend basic skills training aligned with employment requirements.
Step 6: Approved participants are then registered within the SLP system, leading to resource allocation for their chosen track.
Selection Procedures
The selection process evaluates each applicant’s socioeconomic situation and capacity for livelihood development. DSWD assesses households using poverty indicators, prioritizing families with limited resources or access to livelihood opportunities.
SLP operates on a community-based selection process to ensure transparency and relevance to local contexts. Selected participants undergo capacity-building activities, such as the Community-Driven Enterprise Development (CDED) approach, to boost their engagement in local economic markets and encourage self-sufficiency.
Eligibility and Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the SLP, participants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Must be Filipino citizens from low-income or disadvantaged households, as identified by the DSWD.
- For the MD track, participants must be 16 years old, able to attend livelihood training, and committed to joining an SLPA.
- For the EF track, applicants must be 18 or older and meet legal employment requirements.
- Must have a Certificate of Eligibility signed by the Regional Program Coordinator to finalize their entry into the program.
Documentary Requirements
Participants in both tracks need to provide specific documents to qualify for program assistance. Essential documents include:
- Attendance in SLP orientation sessions
- SLPA Membership for MD participants
- Certificate of Eligibility from the DSWD Regional Program Coordinator
- SLPA Constitution and By-laws (for MD applicants)
- Signed Modality Application Forms for the desired livelihood track
Additional documents may include training attendance records or other supporting materials based on the chosen livelihood track.
Benefits
SLP beneficiaries receive various forms of financial and material support.
For the MD track, the SLP beneficiaries can enjoy the following:
- Seed Capital Fund (SCF) provides up to PHP 15,000 per participant for startup capital, covering tools and materials for small businesses.
- Similarly, the Skills Training Fund offers PHP 15,000 to enhance participants’ livelihood skills.
For the EF track, participants can receive the following:
- Employment Assistance Fund (up to PHP 5,000) to cover job-related expenses, including document processing and travel costs.
Note: Both tracks offer the Cash for Building Livelihood Assets (CBLA), calculated based on the regional minimum wage, for up to 11 days to support physical or natural asset creation.
Payout Procedures
Once approved, payouts for the various funds (SCF, Skills Training Fund, etc.) are released through local DSWD offices. These funds are disbursed upon completion of specific stages, such as the submission of required forms, attendance in orientation, and confirmation of asset purchase or training participation. Beneficiaries are encouraged to work closely with their local IPDO to track disbursement dates and conditions.
Maintenance and Updating of Records for Continuous Benefit
SLP beneficiaries must remain actively engaged with their chosen livelihood projects or employment placements to continue receiving support. The DSWD conducts regular monitoring for up to two years post-implementation to assess the sustainability and impact of each participant’s livelihood activities. Participants must also update their registration details if there are changes in employment status, contact information, or household composition.
Regular assessments help DSWD gauge participant progress and provide any necessary interventions, ensuring ongoing success and impact within the community.
Video: How to Apply for the DSWD SLP?
For a visual walkthrough on how you can avail the benefits offered by the DSWD SLP, providing an overview of the program’s scope, application steps, and the benefits it offers. You can also learn how to become a beneficiary and discover the potential for economic empowerment through this life-changing initiative by watching this video from Nest & Jess today:
Summary
The DSWD’s SLP is a useful resource for low-income households in the Philippines, offering support through microenterprise and employment assistance. With clear eligibility criteria and a structured selection process, SLP equips participants with resources, training, and funds to foster sustainable income sources. Through ongoing monitoring and support, the program helps ensure economic stability, giving beneficiaries the means to improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities.