A group of parolees and probationaries served under the DSWD- Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) officially launched a community garden in Brgy. San Isidro, Carigara, Leyte. With the supervision of Leyte Parole and Probation Office and support from various agencies, 38 participants decided to set up the “Kangara Pagbabago SLP Communal Garden”.

This intitiative is also their way of showing gratitude to the DSWD-SLP for empowering them and to all agencies who supported their reintegration to the mainstream society, says Senior Parole Probation Officer Ariandne Sociana. The SLP already conducted social preparation and capacity-building activities for the parolees.

Leyte Second District Board Member Raissa Villasin, in her message to the parolees and probationaries, also affirmed the parolees’ integration back to the community.
“Pasalamat kita han DOJ-PPA ngan han DSWD kay aanhi hira para bumulig ha iyo. Diri na kamo ituturing na iba ha community kay tungod han era bulig ha iyo,” she said.

Villasin also emphasized to the parolees that the success and sustainability of their endeavors will still depend on how they will manage the assistance given to them by the government.
“Aada la gihap ha iyo an move para mag-succeed ini. Kamo la gihap an magpapadayon hini. Aanhi la kami para bumulig ha iyo financially or technically pero an pag gios aada la gihapon ha iyo.”

The Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) continuous to monitor the participants.

The SLP is a capacity-building program being implemented by DSWD that helps improve the socio-economic conditions of poor households and communities through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihood.