Manila, Aug. 12 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released PHP5.4 million in livelihood grants to 620 beneficiaries from 18 associations in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities in Mindanao, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The grants were provided under the DSWD's Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) Program through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Livelihood Program.

In Sultan Kudarat, six PAMANA Livelihood Program Associations (PLPAs) in Lebak and Kalamansig received a combined PHP1.8 million in seed capital funds (SCF), or PHP300,000 each.

The associations have 126 members, many of them former members...