Lamut, Ifugao – The DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) – Ifugao, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) successfully conducted its first SLPA Congress on 19 September 2025, at the Ifugao State University Main Campus, Nayon, Lamut. With the theme “Tulong-tulong sa pagSIBOL tungo sa pagYABONG para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event was more than just a celebration of success—it was a call for unity, perseverance, self-reliance and ownership leading to empowerment.
The congress served as both a recognition of past achievements and a challenge for associations to build stronger, more sustainable livelihoods. Speakers reminded the participants that while grants and support matter, the true foundation of success lies in their cooperation, leadership, and resilience.
In her message, DSWD FO-CAR OIC Assistant Regional Director for Operations Amelyn P. Cabrera placed the spotlight squarely on the members themselves. She reminded the associations that they are the backbone of their organizations:
“Anything that happens to the association is because of you—if it survives or if it dies. The benefits that you receive, wag niyong pababayaan, so that in the future you will not need DSWD. Kayo ang puno’t dulo ng inyong association” Cabrera said.
She highlighted that government assistance is a seed, but its growth depends on the dedication and unity of the SLPAs.
Just like the seed, the core foundation of the association is unity. An abstract quality of oneness and harmony developed by trust, respect, care and one mission and vision to uplift each lives of the members. “Yan ang puno’t dulo para sa pag-unlad ng assosasyon.” she added.
Stories of sacrifice and bayanihan
The sharing of good practices brought the congress to life. The Bayao Farmers SLPA, composed entirely of women, shared how they carry sacks of agricultural inputs themselves and deliver them to buyers. “Agtitinulong kami,” they proudly declared, emphasizing that teamwork makes even the heaviest load bearable. They shared that their dedication and teamwork have already paid off, as they have begun to experience profit-sharing within their association.
Meanwhile, the Epeng Alammungan Association, represented by Cristina Polista, inspired fellow associations with their determination to run a grocery business despite the daily challenge of carrying stocks across two barangays. Their hard work has born fruit, as they are now able to supply goods not only to their own barangay but also to two adjacent communities. With pride, she also shared that their association has already conducted profit-sharing twice, a clear testament to their resilience and unity.
“Nu awan ti ayat mu ti padam nga tao ken awan ti ayat mu ti tulung ti gubyerno, awan ti papanan ti assosasyon yu. (If you do not have love for your fellowmen and appreciation for government support, your association has nowhere to go.)” Poslista said.
For the Butac Indigenous Association, bayanihan and transparency are their guiding principles. Association President Martin Domingo stressed that “Masapul nga agmaymaysa ta ag-thrive ti association (We need to unite for the association to thrive.)”. His advice – resolve problems immediately and practice honesty to maintain trust.
These testimonies showed not just economic progress, but also the values that sustain SLPAs: unity, sacrifice, and service.
Local leaders’ support and challenge
Representing Lamut LGU, Councilor Edgar L. Liwayan commended the participants’ perseverance and linked their efforts to breaking the cycle of poverty. “With perseverance and unity, you have the capacity to break poverty and make progress,” he said. He congratulated the awardees while challenging them to be organized and proactive to access such opportunities.
Other LGU representatives echoed similar calls. Ms. Joylyn Galasinao of Asipulo urged: “Yung problema, make it a challenge, wag kayong magpapatalo sa challenge ng organization.”Likewise, Lamut MSWDO’s representative Marjoly Tucpi asked associations to envision their future, reminding them: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Highlight of the Congress: Recognizing SLPAs
A total of 23 SLPAs have been recognized during the Congress. The Bayao Farmers Sustainable Livelihood Organization led the pack, clinching both Highest Recorded Sales and Best SLPA Implementer 2023–2024 (Regular). The Haliap Ephoshan Organization was named Most Active in Partnership Engagement, while the Epeng Alammungan Organization dominated with multiple recognitions—Most Organized SLPA, Best Implementer for Zero Hunger, and the coveted title of Best SLPA Implementer 2023–2024 Overall. The Butac Indigenous Association earned the Best Implementer for PAMANA Award, and Rosa Balajo Guinid, President of Bayao SLPA was honored with the Leadership Award for her dedication and service. These achievements highlighted how determination, teamwork, and strong leadership can transform simple associations into pillars of community growth and success.
For the participants, the recognition was more than trophies—it was motivation to keep going. “Ti pagsayaatan ti biyag yu ket han nga nakasalalay kanyami nga DSWD, nakasalalay kanyayu. (The improvement of your lives does not depend on us at DSWD, but on you.) SWAD Team Leader Lorna Lumioan said.
A legacy of resilience
Encompassed by the woven hands of culture and tradition that shape the resilience of the Ifugaos—resilience crafted and polished like the rice terraces that rise like stairways to their hopes and dreams—our SLPAs recognized that the congress was more than just an event; it was a turning point. It served as a reminder that while support may come from government and partners, the true strength lies in unity, transparency, and a collective commitment to growth.
Beyond the awards and speeches, the congress built bridges of partnership. Ifugao State University stepped forward to offer trainings on bookkeeping and mushroom processing, extending these programs to reach even the remotest communities. “We support the organizations,” affirmed Professor Leonida Culhi, signaling expanded opportunities and a future of continued support for SLPA development.
The SLPA Congress 2025 was not just a celebration of triumphs, but a promise of greater things to come—a testament that when communities unite and prioritizes sustainability; growth is not just possible, it is inevitable.#DSWD FO CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, PDO II, with Bernard B. Pasicolan. PDO II, SWAD Ifugao-SLP.
