A total of 137 sari-sari stores in Bagong Isulan have received additional capital assistance, according to an announcement from Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran. The distribution, which took place recently in Isulan , Sultan Kudarat, is intended to support local micro-enterprises and provide livelihood capital to small business owners.
The assistance was provided to sari-sari store owners as “dagdag puhunan” (additional capital) to help them grow their businesses. Sari-sari stores are neighborhood convenience stores that serve as a vital source of daily necessities for Filipino communities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.
In a separate May 2026 SLP payout activity in Isulan, DSWD Field Office XII reported that 137 program participants received ₱15,000 each as livelihood grants. However, it is not established from the available sources that these are the same 137 sari-sari stores mentioned in Mayor Sakaluran’s latest announcement.
DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program Identified in Mayor’s Announcement
Mayor Sakaluran identified the assistance as being provided through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) . The SLP is one of the DSWD’s core development initiatives , which helps provide livelihood opportunities to qualified vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors in Philippine society.
According to the DSWD, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) provides two primary tracks for beneficiaries: the Microenterprise Development (MD) track, which supports the start-up and growth of small businesses, and the Employment Facilitation (EF) track. The program aims to help vulnerable and marginalized families and individuals start their own livelihood projects and eventually become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
As of May 2026, DSWD reported that the Sustainable Livelihood Program had served 4.53 million household beneficiaries and participants nationwide since its implementation in 2011. In Sultan Kudarat alone, the DSWD has distributed millions of pesos in livelihood assistance to support various micro-enterprises, including sari-sari stores, rice wholesaling, and animal farming.
Isulan Sari Sari Store Capital Assistance Supports Local Micro-Enterprises
The Isulan sari-sari store capital assistance is intended to help local businesses, which the mayor’s post referred to as SMMEs. The Facebook post highlights the support for sari-sari stores, which are among the most common micro-enterprises in the Philippines.
In a related SLP payout activity in Isulan, DSWD officials emphasized that the success of the program is not measured by the amount of assistance received but by how beneficiaries manage their livelihoods and develop the right mindset to grow their businesses. The SLP is described as not just a dole-out but a capacity-building program aimed at developing the skills and capabilities of program participants toward more stable and sustainable livelihoods.
The provision of sari-sari store capital assistance in Isulan reflects the local government’s ongoing efforts to support micro-entrepreneurs and foster economic resilience at the grassroots level. The assistance is intended to provide additional capital to small store owners, helping them grow their businesses and support their families.
Mayor Sakaluran Acknowledges Cayetano’s Support
Mayor Sakaluran expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for his help and support in connection with the funding for the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program assistance.
Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have been involved in various livelihood initiatives across the country, often in partnership with the DSWD through the SLP. In previous programs, the Cayetanos’ offices have provided seed capital and livelihood assistance to thousands of Filipinos, helping them start micro-businesses or undergo skills training for stable income. In Sultan Kudarat, the Cayetanos’ offices previously visited Isulan and Lebak, where 300 individuals received assistance to enhance their skills and secure permanent employment.
What the Announcement Does Not Disclose
The Facebook announcement did not provide the following details:
- Amount received by each sari-sari store: While a separate May 2026 DSWD report indicates that 137 program participants received ₱15,000 each through the SLP, it is not established that these are the same 137 sari-sari stores mentioned in the mayor’s latest announcement.
- Total amount distributed
- Names of beneficiaries or specific sari-sari stores
- Barangays of individual beneficiaries
- Eligibility requirements or selection criteria
- Whether the assistance is a grant, loan, or subsidy
- Exact date of distribution: The post used “kahapon” (yesterday), which requires confirmation of the Facebook post’s publication date.
Conclusion
The distribution of additional capital assistance to 137 sari-sari stores in Bagong Isulan adds to livelihood assistance being provided to local micro-enterprises and small business owners in Isulan . The assistance, provided through the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program, is intended to help small businesses expand and become more sustainable.
For more updates on livelihood programs and community development in Isulan, follow official announcements from the Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran Facebook page and SultanKudarat.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the assistance received by 137 sari-sari stores in Bagong Isulan?
The 137 sari-sari stores received additional capital assistance through the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program. A separate May 2026 DSWD report indicates that 137 program participants received ₱15,000 each, though it is not established that these are the same beneficiaries.
How many sari-sari stores received assistance?
A total of 137 sari-sari stores received assistance.
Where did the assistance take place?
The assistance was provided in Bagong Isulan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
What is the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program?
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a core development initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that provides livelihood opportunities to vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors in Philippine society.
Who announced the assistance?
Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran announced the assistance through her official Facebook page.
Who did Mayor Sakaluran thank for the support?
Mayor Sakaluran thanked Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for his support in connection with the program’s funding.
What is the purpose of the assistance?
The assistance is intended to provide additional capital to help local sari-sari stores and small businesses grow and become more sustainable.
Where can I find updates on similar programs?
Follow official announcements from the Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran Facebook page and SultanKudarat.com for updates.
Disclaimer
This article is primarily based on the public announcement from the Facebook page of Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran regarding the distribution of additional capital assistance to 137 sari-sari stores in Bagong Isulan. Additional background information is drawn from publicly available sources cited in the article, including reports from the DSWD Field Office XII. Specific details regarding the exact date of distribution, names of beneficiaries, eligibility requirements, and other technical specifications have not been fully disclosed and may be subject to change. SultanKudarat.com strives to provide accurate and timely information but does not guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the details contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Local Government Unit of Isulan and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.
