Apayao State College (ASC), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Apayao (DSWD-Apayao), formally turned over the localized Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) and launched the SLPA App during a ceremonial activity held on December 15 at IPTBM Conference Hall, ASC–Luna Campus.
Dr. Mirasol L. Agpuldo, Director of Extension Services, opened the program by acknowledging the participants composed of identified DSWD-Apayao personnel and ASC faculty and staff.
ASC President John N. Cabansag highlighted the impact of the localized translations and the SLPA App, emphasizing their role in improving accessibility, understanding, and operational efficiency.
Representing DSWD-CAR Regional Director Dr. Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, Ms. Geraldine K. Tokoyen echoed the College President’s remarks, affirming the importance and purpose of the initiative.
Provincial Partnership Officer Matthew A. Binoclod Jr. presented an overview of the localized CBL alongside the features of the newly developed SLPA App. He emphasized that the collaboration with ASC opened new opportunities for the program to excel, initiate, and innovate activities that directly benefit yApayaos, particularly SLPA members.
Highlighting the first core output, ASC’s BSEd faculty translated the SLPA Constitution and By-Laws into Ilokano and Filipino to make it more accessible to members, with Assoc. Prof. Sonia Belarde handling the Ilokano version and Instructor Reclien Tagsay the Filipino version.
For the second core innovation, the SLPA App was developed by ASC’s BSIT faculty members: Assist. Prof. Lloyd Mark C. Razalan, Instructors Darwin G. Raralio, Angelo Nathaniel Lomibao, and Wreylod Q. Manzano.
Instructor Lomibao explained that SLPA App version 1.0 includes a secure login system and an administrative dashboard with management features for categories, products, members, suppliers, expenses, purchases, and sales—providing SLPA officers with a streamlined digital tool for operations and record-keeping.
Words of commitment were given by Provincial Coordinator Jaylord A. Javier, Assit. Prof. Mark Llyod Razalan, BSIT Program Chair; and Dr. Melanie I. Vidad, BSEd Program Chair.
In his closing message, Dr. Ronald O. Ocampo, Vice President for Academics, Research Development and Extension Services (VPARDES), expressed hope for sustained and expanded collaborations between ASC and DSWD-Apayao to further advance community development initiatives in the province.
