By Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.
July 7, 2026 –The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), granted a Seed Capital Fund (SCF) amounting to ₱600,000.00 to the Arukahik Sewers SLP Association to strengthen livelihood initiatives for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. The activity was facilitated by Ms. Haidee B. Manato, Project Development Officer II of DSWD-SLP.
The financial assistance will be utilized for the improvement and upgrading of the CPU Arukahik Tailoring Shop and Training Center, located on the third floor of Johnson Hall at Central Philippine University (CPU). The grant will support the acquisition of additional sewing machines, edging and embroidery machines, mannequins, and other essential tailoring equipment to enhance the Center’s training and production capabilities.
The CPU Arukahik Tailoring Shop and Training Center is a social development initiative established by the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC) to empower DSWD’s 4Ps beneficiaries through sustainable livelihood opportunities. As the University’s response to the government’s call for inclusive poverty alleviation, the Center provides skills development, livelihood support, and aftercare interventions to help the beneficiaries transition toward greater self-sufficiency.
The initiative is also anchored on CPU’s CANOPY framework, which stands for Cultivating Alliances and Nurturing Opportunities for Purposeful Yields. As a transformative institutional initiative, CANOPY strengthens partnerships with government agencies, non-government organizations, and community stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities and address the social, economic, and developmental needs of partner communities.
As part of this commitment, the CPU Arukahik Tailoring Shop and Training Center provides free basic sewing and tailoring training to individuals seeking to develop practical skills, with priority given to 4Ps beneficiaries. Through this initiative, the University advances volunteerism, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood development.
The establishment and operation of the Center reflects CPU’s commitment to Republic Act No. 9418, or the Volunteer Act of 2007, which promotes volunteerism for national development. In recognition of CPU’s efforts in advancing volunteerism and community-based social development, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), acknowledged the University’s initiatives. This commitment was further strengthened through the Memorandum of Understanding signed with DSWD on May 30, 2026.