Strengthening its commitment to community empowerment through meaningful partnerships, the University of Antique (UA) joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) in the ceremonial turnover of a ₱600,000 Livelihood Assistance Grant to the Katiringban sa Pag-asenso Kang Igbarawan under the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) – Zero Hunger initiative.

The grant will support the association’s Variety Store and Fishing Balsa Project, providing members with sustainable livelihood opportunities that will help improve household incomes and promote economic resilience within their community.

The ceremonial turnover was led by Francis Anthony Desaca, SLP Regional Database Manager, together with Noli G. Valenzuela, SLP Antique Team Leader. They were joined by Project Development Officers Doris Cervera and Jake Dionela, who oversee SLP implementation in the Municipality of Patnongon.

Representing UA was Dr. Jennel Orantes, Project Leader of the BRACE, an Extension Project of the Bachelor of Science in Community Development program of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Through her participation, UA reaffirmed its commitment to extending technical assistance and capacity-building support to partner communities through its extension programs.

Also present during the activity were reperesentatives from the Local Govenrment Unit of Patnongon, representing the Muncipal Mayor is Mr. Gregorio L. Gumawa, Senior Admin. Assistant III and Shekinah A. Mandamlay – MSWDO representative, demonstrating the strong collaboration among national agencies, the local government, and the academe in advancing inclusive and sustainable community development.

As a valued partner of the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program, UA continues to play a vital role in empowering community organizations through extension services, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. Through collaborative efforts such as the Program Convergence Budgeting, the University remains steadfast in its mission of bringing education, innovation, and opportunities closer to the communities it serves.