The Tilapia Fingerlings Livelihood Program is actively supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing a viable platform to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation for the recovering Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs). Recognizing the critical role of economic stability in successful rehabilitation, the Social Work students of North Valley College established aquacultureโspecifically tilapia farmingโas a manageable, income-generating venture. This initiative promotes a path to decent work that is productive, sustainable, and entirely self-created.
The activity was structured to impart the necessary skills to transition the participants into micro-entrepreneurs. Experts provided technical training on proper care and maintenance, and Social Work students conducted motivation sessions emphasizing the value of livelihood in reintegration. The distribution of 2,000 fingerlings and the provision of starter feeds and technical support provided the initial capital and knowledge required to jumpstart the operation. The successful management of the fishponds by the PWUDs group has led to the creation of a shared livelihood initiative among the recovering individuals.
The program’s ultimate goal is to facilitate the economic empowerment and social reintegration of recovering PWUDs through meaningful activities. By owning and managing this project, participants are developing the responsibility and discipline necessary for sustained work. The recommendations for continuous monitoring, linkage with government agencies for livelihood expansion, and the introduction of value-added training (like processing and marketing) are geared towards ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability and growth, securing a future of decent, productive work for the participants.
