The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released PHP22.42 million to fight hunger by supporting the livelihood activities of 60 associations in Eastern Visayas this year.
Over the past nine months, the initiative has extended grants to 1,157 members of 60 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in poor communities of the region, DSWD 8 (Eastern Visayas) information officer Jonalyndie Chua said in a phone interview on Thursday.
“The Zero Hunger Program, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aims to eradicate hunger and malnutrition while promoting sustainable agriculture practices by 2030,” Chua said.
“The program endeavors to create a future where every individual has access to nutritious food and economic opportunities.”
Of the PHP22.42 million grant, PHP3.4 million was released to Eastern Samar; PHP7.66 million to Leyte; and PHP3.78 million each to Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte provinces.
Among the livelihood activities that received grants are urban vegetable production, tilapia production, crop production, food vending, rice retailing, motorcycle transport, Piso WiFi services, and general merchandise.
The program is part of the country’s effort to attain Sustainable Development Goal 2, a global goal to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. (PNA)