Not a loan: DSWD offers up to P20K grant to disaster-hit MSMEs

“In times of disaster, pantawid... itatawid and tutulong kami na itawid kayo sa disruption na dulot ng disaster. Mas priority pa rin ang mga MSME na affected sa mga disaster pero medyo maghihintay pa ng konting buwan.” — SWAD-Kalinga Team Leader Lorna Lumiwan

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Disaster-affected micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kalinga may seek livelihood assistance of up to P20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), with entrepreneurs affected by disasters given priority.

DSWD-SWAD Kalinga Team Leader Lorna Lumiwan made the announcement during the Kapihan sa Kalinga on August 18, 2026, at the Grand Zion Hotel in Bulanao.

Lumiwan clarified that the assistance is a grant, not a loan, although beneficiaries are required to properly account for the funds and remain subject to monitoring to ensure that the assistance is used for sustainable livelihood activities.

She explained that the DSWD previously implemented the Specific Implementation Arrangement (SIA), which has since evolved into the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“At DSWD, we currently do not have a lending program... Dati meron yung SIA pero nag-evolve na siya and naging Sustainable Livelihood Program. Hindi siya loan, more on grants ang binibigay niya [SLP],” she said.

Under the SLP, livelihood assistance is primarily provided through grants rather than loans. However, beneficiaries are still required to liquidate or account for the use of the assistance.

P20K assistance for disaster-hit MSMEs

Lumiwan said individual MSMEs affected by disasters may qualify for a Livelihood Assistance Grant of around P20,000 under the SLP.

The assistance is intended to provide short-term support to entrepreneurs whose businesses or livelihoods have been disrupted by disasters and help them recover from the immediate impact.

She said disaster-related requests remain a priority, although the release of funds still requires approval from the DSWD Central Office.

Lumiwan added that the local office has not received information indicating that disaster-related requests have been denied so far.

“Sa individual MSMEs, meron po tayong livelihood assistance grant under the SLP, though minimal—nasa P20,000. In times of disaster, pantawid... itatawid and tutulong kami na itawid kayo sa disruption na dulot ng disaster. Mas priority pa rin ang mga MSME na affected sa mga disaster pero medyo maghihintay pa ng konting buwan,” she said.

Who can apply?

The SLP accepts applications from individuals and groups through walk-in applications or referrals. However, applicants are subject to eligibility and capacity assessments, particularly groups seeking livelihood assistance.

Lumiwan said the program currently prioritizes existing 4Ps beneficiaries as well as poor and near-poor families or households, particularly those engaged in or seeking to establish microenterprises.

Individual applicants with the necessary knowledge and skills for their proposed livelihood may apply directly through DSWD-SWAD Kalinga.

For groups and associations, the DSWD assesses their eligibility, organizational capacity, knowledge, and skills. Depending on their needs, groups may also be referred to other government agencies or institutions that can provide more appropriate technical or livelihood assistance.

DSWD taps other agencies

Lumiwan said DSWD does not implement livelihood interventions alone, noting that the agency coordinates with partner institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Land Bank of the Philippines, among others.

For organized associations, assistance may also involve coordination with appropriate legal and financial institutions, while individual beneficiaries may receive assistance directly through the program.

For Kalinga MSMEs whose livelihoods are closely linked to agriculture, tourism, trade, and other local economic activities, disasters can cause sudden disruptions in business operations and income.

The P20,000 grant is therefore intended as short-term livelihood support to help affected entrepreneurs recover, rather than as a replacement for larger business financing programs.

Lumiwan’s clarification comes amid broader discussions on strengthening government support for local MSMEs, particularly in financing, market access, technical assistance, and business sustainability.

For disaster-hit entrepreneurs, the message from DSWD-SWAD Kalinga is clear: assistance may be available, but it comes as a monitored livelihood grant—not a loan—with disaster-affected MSMEs among those given priority.