By Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY, March 1 (PIA) - - The Department of Labor and Employment recently turned-over Kabuhayan Starter Kits worth P810 T to 81 beneficiaries in a simple ceremony held on February 28 at the DOLE Provincial Office, this city .
In his message, DOLE Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano said, “Today, we are here to distribute livelihood assistance - - 81 starter kits worth P10 thousand each to 50 beneficiaries in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur and 31 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) thru the Balik Pinay program.”
“The department is doing this to help stakeholders find some means of livelihood. Although this may seem small, we believe that if you take good care of it, this will flourish and make a big difference in your lives,” RD Cano said.
The 50 starter kits awarded to beneficiaries from New Labangan included farm implements, welding machine, compressor for vulcanizing, cooking, sewing machines, massage/manicure sets and other tools as requested by the beneficiaries.
ARD Virginia L. Bonbon congratulated the beneficiaries that although it took some time for them to receive their starter kits , it has finally arrived. “We owe it to our beloved President Benigno Aquino III, for this program through DOLE because you are the first recipients for this year 2012,” she said.
“The skills and trainings that you have learned through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other agencies would be futile if you have no tools for the trade, so please take good care of the Kabuhayan Starter Kits that you received today,” ARD Bonbon explained.
She clarified however, that there will be a monitoring of all beneficiaries, with the help of New Labangan Punong Barangay Sammy Ungad to check if the tools are properly used for its ultimate purpose.
Mr. Camilo A. Encila Jr., Focal Person for this program said for those who want to avail of DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (individual or group project), it’s actually simple. He said, “For the group project (association), the project must be feasible. First, it should be environment-friendly; second – raw materials must be available in the locality; and third is a ready market. Once all the requirements are complied, we evaluate then forward it to the regional office for funding.”
The Kabuhayan starter kits are provided to help beneficiaries cope with the economic crisis and provide alternative source of income for them. Mr. Encila said those who are interested to avail of the program may visit the DOLE office so that they can readily assist the applicants in preparing the documents needed.
However, priority will be given to women’s groups, displaced workers, informal sectors like farmers, youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) ambulant vendors and other marginalized sectors. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)