In a concerted effort to fight poverty and uplift vulnerable communities, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V (DSWD FO V), and several partner agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 5, 2025, in Legazpi City for the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
The SLP is one of the anti-poverty initiatives of DSWD FO V, designed to help improve the socio-economic conditions of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households by enabling them to access the resources and skills necessary to build and sustain their livelihoods.
This MOA signing marks a significant milestone in multi-sectoral cooperation aimed at uplifting lives and building sustainable futures for Bicolanos in need. CBSUA expressed optimism that the collaboration will serve as a model for future joint initiatives focused on rural development and social inclusion.
The partnership highlights the value of collaborative development work in reaching the most underserved sectors. With its strong institutional resources and expertise, CBSUA is positioned to play a key role in advancing the SLP’s goals.
Through the agreement, CBSUA reaffirmed its full commitment to the Sustainable Livelihood Program by offering its institutional resources to support capacity-building initiatives, skills training, technical assistance, and other livelihood interventions tailored to community needs.
“We are committing to continuously support DSWD in building partnerships among various stakeholders and diverse development actors to strengthen cooperation toward developing sustainable and resilient rural communities. Through this collaboration, we are confident that we can maximize our collective strengths to overcome future challenges and reinforce our commitment to communities striving for genuine and inclusive development,” said Prof. Vladimir R. Foronda, Director of the Extension Services Division, during the signing ceremony.
Prof. Lilia C. Pasiona also expressed her commitment and full support for the program on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, Prof. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez. In her message, she emphasized the university’s active role in empowering communities through sustainable development initiatives.
“CBSUA is fully committed to this program,” she said. “Through this partnership, we aim not just to provide temporary assistance, but to equip our beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills they need to sustain their own livelihoods. As the saying goes, we want to teach them how to fish, not just give them fish.”
As part of its commitment to support the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program, CBSUA will roll out the program in key municipalities across Camarines Sur and Masbate. In Camarines Sur, the areas identified for coverage include Del Gallego, Ragay, Lupi, Sipocot, Cabusao, Libmanan, Pasacao, San Fernando, Pamplona, Milaor, Pili, Bula, Calabanga, Canaman, Bombon, and Magarao. In the province of Masbate, the municipality of San Pascual has also been included.
DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring the long-term success of the Sustainable Livelihood Program. Reflecting on the shared commitment of all partners, he stated:
“As we move forward, I have high hopes that we will sustain this partnership and continue working hand in hand to promote socio-economic progress and improve the quality of life of our fellow Bicolanos.”
During the event, testimonials from beneficiaries demonstrated the real-life impact of livelihood programs and how interagency cooperation can transform lives.
Also present during the MOA signing were various partner agencies from the academe, non-government organizations, national government agencies, and the private sector. These included Partido State University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Sorsogon State University, representing the academic institutions. From the non-government and civil society sector, attendees included the Bikolanas Agriculture Cooperative, Young Men’s Christian Association of Albay, Inc. (YMCA), UGAT Integrated Farm, Rotary Club of Masbate, and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation represented the national government agencies, while the financial sector was represented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Agribusiness Bank Corporation. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘳. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯, 𝘌𝘚𝘋
