ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Mar 9 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office IX (DOLE-IX) has released livelihood assistance anew to 37 residents under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Kabuhayan Starter Kits in a simple awarding ceremony held last Feb 22 at the City Hall lobby in Isabela.
City Information Officer Faisal Sadalani said that ABC President Reybert P. Santos spoke on behalf of Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar.
Reading the message of the Mayor, Santos expressed elation and gratitude to the DOLE and other co-partner agencies for the livelihood assistance given to the recipients.
He said that the various forms of livelihood assistance is the government’s way of revitalizing local economy and helps individual and other informal sectors to develop a sustainable enterprise undertakings right in their respective homes and communities.
“Indeed, it generates income. We really have to look for ways and means to augment our income because of the high cost of living nowadays”, he said.
For his part, Director Sisino B. Cano, the Officer-In-Charge of DOLE-IX extended his appreciation to other agencies who serve as partners in the program especially the LGU for being a consistent, solid and strategic partner of the agency.
“We are glad to have partners, especially the LGU for helping the activities a successful one”, he said.
Director Cano, who assumed office only last February 1, reiterated the call of the agency to make the best out of the assistance.
“Alagaan natu kani, because it’s the people’s money. At the end of the day, we will be able to make difference, small but it has value, alagaan natin”, he pointed out.
According to Mrs. Otilla W. Ricablanca, Mayor Akbar has issued a memorandum directing her office as City PESO Manager together with other employees to conduct consultation on the needs of the residents and for possible livelihood assistance.
With that, she said the City has been constantly receiving livelihood or employment assistance from DOLE including the last quarter of last year for 72 beneficiaries where some are people with disabilities.
The memorandum is for the purpose, under the administration of Mayor Akbar, of bringing the thrust of the government to resolve issues of the residents at the grass root level.
Mayor Akbar had concluded that she will work hard together with different stakeholders to ensure that programs intended for the marginalized members of the society shall be implemented.
She encouraged beneficiaries to work hard to increase profit, saying that “all you need is a strong determination to pursue your dreams. Sipag at Tiyaga lang ang kailangan para sa ikakaunlad at tagumpay sa buhay.”
This year, the 37 beneficiaries is the first who have received livelihood assistance from DOLE-IX in the form of equipment and paraphernalia for native snack preparation, food processing, sewing, manicure and pedicure, and hairstyling and make-up.
Other co-partners of the project are the Social Security System (SSS) and the Rotary Club of Basilan. (FS/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST)
