29/06/2025
No words can describe how deeply honored and thankful we are with this recognition.
Taking the event industry by storm.
That's how one would describe the all-queer member of an SLP Association (SLPA) located at Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay. The Mabuhay Pride SLPA boasts its 25 members who are all members of the LGBTQ+ community who have built their empire in the quaint municipality of Mabuhay. With their chosen enterprise -- events styling and coordination -- they have become a household name when it comes to planning events and festivities.
It was through DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program's (SLP) OSEC Referral Project that they were identified by their local government unit (LGU) to receive a seed capital fund amounting to P500,000. They were among those 34 SLPAs or 832 program participants who had their ceremonial turn-over last September 2024 where P16,000,000 worth of projects were officially given to various communities all throughout the province.
To the Mabuhay local chief executive Mayor Edreluisa CaloΓ±ge, they were the right group of people to be endorsed as they had the right vision that not only would be income generating but something they can bring great pride to the community
Their project was like a glove that fit perfectly with the way everything went after receiving their grant. To the SLPA President Arnold Sumayo it was no brainer to have chosen the project as all the members were currently freelancing in the event industry from make-up to design to planning. To him, the only thing stopping them from becoming a group was that they lacked the capital to kick start their enterprise. And with the grant they received, they were ecstatic to begin their micro-enterprise project.
Less than one year into their operation and they have become the go to team when there are parties, fiestas, school events, and weddings in the community. The 25-member SLPA pour their hearts into every project they organize. Every blood, sweat, and tear shed to ensure the success of any event they take on.
To Sumayo their fast growth and development as an SLPA was brought by the continous support and provision of technical assistance given by ther Field Project Development Officers. They intent to continue striding the path they have taken on, improving every chance they can get, one event at a time.
Check out their page: Mabuhay Pride SLPA Events Styling & Coordination
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