BACOLOD City — The city government here provided cash assistance to 31 vendors from the Bacolod Public Plaza Vendors Association to recognize their contribution to the local economy and support their efforts to operate legally and sustainably.
Each beneficiary received P10,000 during a payout held on December 26 at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). The assistance was distributed by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the financial assistance will help vendors strengthen or expand their small businesses by enabling them to purchase goods, supplies, and other materials needed for daily operations.
She explained that prior to the payout, the beneficiaries underwent livelihood training conducted by the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) over the past few months.
“With the completion of the training, the city is now providing start-up capital to help ensure income stability and encourage the establishment or expansion of additional livelihood activities,” Verdeprado-Mangga said.
She added that the assistance aims to help vendors earn more consistently and reduce their vulnerability to income loss, particularly during lean seasons or economic challenges.
“This program encourages vendors to become more independent, productive, and capable of managing sustainable micro-enterprises,” she said.
Verdeprado-Mangga further noted that the assistance is also intended to improve the overall quality of life of the beneficiaries by strengthening their capacity to meet daily needs while recognizing and supporting the informal sector.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who attended the payout, said the assistance serves not only as financial support but also as an opportunity for the vendors to recover and move forward despite the challenges they faced this year./PN
