Expanding Twin Entrepreneurship Programs to Reduce Dependence on Aid
Parañaque City’s 2nd district Representative-elect has intensified efforts to implement government livelihood initiatives aimed at lessening residents’ reliance on government aid. Local leaders have started collaborating with non-government organizations (NGOs) to support training for qualified participants of the “Dagdag-Puhunan” and “Bigay-Negosyo” entrepreneurship programs.
According to community sources, these twin entrepreneurship programs have been active in the district since last year, working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The goal is to provide beneficiaries with practical skills and opportunities to become self-reliant.
Legislative Plans to Boost Local Job Opportunities
Looking ahead, the representative plans to reintroduce bills in the upcoming 20th Congress aimed at establishing local job facilitation offices dedicated to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, there will be a push to promote entrepreneurship by creating sustainable financing programs tailored for micro and small enterprises.
“Ang kailangan natin mabigyan ng mga oportunidad ang mga tao na umangat ang kanilang estado ng pamumuhay. Hindi yung basta magbibigay lang tayo ng ayuda ng walang follow-through. Ang pagbabago magsisimula rin sa mga tao mismo. Bibigyan natin sila ng oportunidad para magtiwala sila sa kanilang sarili na makapagbago at mag-rely sa kanilang kakayahan sa halip na umasa na lamang sa ayuda,” shared a local official in a recent interview. This translates to emphasizing opportunities that enable people to improve their living standards rather than just handing out aid without proper support.
Providing Training and Financial Education
The representative’s approach includes a strong “follow-through” component, offering livelihood training and seminars to recipients of government aid. This strategy encourages beneficiaries to establish micro-businesses and eventually transition away from dependency on dole outs.
Both the Dagdag-Puhunan and Bigay-Negosyo programs require applicants to undergo comprehensive livelihood training before becoming eligible for assistance. Plans are underway to enhance these programs by adding financial literacy seminars. These sessions will teach beneficiaries how to wisely manage their aid or income from livelihood projects through saving, spending, or investing prudently.
“Ang ‘ayuda’ kailangan pa rin yan ng ating mga mahihirap na kababayan, kasi pantawid nila yan,” the representative explained, highlighting the importance of aid as a lifeline for the poor. “But we will teach them how to use it wisely. The same goes for those who have received assistance through our livelihood programs.”
Success Stories Inspire Community Transformation
The twin entrepreneurship programs have already produced inspiring success stories. One beneficiary, a recipient of the Bigay-Negosyo grant, shared how she opened a sari-sari store and later expanded to become a reseller of Magnolia products and soft drinks in her neighborhood.
“She was able to send her two kids to school. Her husband quit a low-paying job and now helps her manage their sari-sari store. This and other success stories are what we want to bring to the district,” local community leaders said.
Such outcomes demonstrate the potential of these programs to uplift families and reduce dependence on government aid by empowering individuals to build sustainable livelihoods.
For more news and updates on entrepreneurship programs, visit Filipinokami.com.