DOLE, AFP distribute kabuhayan starter kits to farmers, fisherfolks, women in Guipos town

By Gideon C. Corgue

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur – In its desire to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal sector, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday, October 2, distributed Kabuhayan Starter Kits to 100 beneficiaries in Dalapan barangay hall here.

DOLE officer-in-charge Camilo Encila led the distribution ceremony assisted by 102nd brigade commander Col. Andres Aguinaldo, Jr. and 53^rd Infantry battalion commander LtCol. Alvin Luzon.

Out of school youth, women, elderly, farmers, fisherfolks and other workers in the informal sector from the municipalities of Guipos, Kumalarang and San Miguel were among the beneficiaries of the starter kits.

DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits is a livelihood formation strategy of the government designed to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal economyand their families.

Encila said the starter kits consist of a package of services that will enable the target beneficiaries to quickly start a livelihood undertaking and become self-employed.

“The people will no longer think of working abroad because they can earn money from the starter kits,” Encila opined.

“Sa inyong kalihokan sa panginabuhi gamit ang starter kits nga gihatag kaninyo sa gobyerno, makakita kamo ug kwarta. Dili na kinahanglan nga moadto pa sa abroad o sa kauluhan aron mangita ug trabaho tungod kay mao kini ang bugtong paagi nga mapalambo ang inyong pamuyo (With your livelihood undertakings utilizing the starter kits given to you by the government, you can earn money. There is no need for you to go abroad or in Manila to look for a job because this is the only way that you can improve your standard of living), ”Encila explained.

He also cited the sad fate of Filipinosworking abroad saying that many of those who were employed as domestic helpers and caregivers and other professionals were victims of sexual and physical abuse.

Meanwhile, Col. Andres Aguinaldo congratulated the beneficiaries for availing the project adding that not all the people of the three municipalities have availed of the project.

He encouraged them to continue supporting the programs of the government saying that there are still many programs of the government that are designed to uplift the living conditions of the poor.

“I urge everyone to support the peace efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines thru the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” campaign,” Aguinaldo said, adding that the program will not be realized sans help of the stakeholders.

LtCol. Alvin Luzon said he is optimistic that the DOLE project will be felt by the people as envisioned by the present administration’s “inclusive growth.”The DOLE, other national government agencies, military and local government units are working hand in hand so that services will trickle down to the grassroots.