DOLE grants livelihood assistance to N. Samar towns

TACLOBAN, City, Jan. 6 (PNA)-- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has awarded PHP3.5-million worth of livelihood assistance to beneficiaries in the towns of Bobon and San Isidro in Northern Samar.

“The DOLE has given the assistance to provide livelihood for the disadvantaged or vulnerable sectors in the society,” said Eden Ligaya Golong, focal person of the department’s integrated livelihood program.

Some 400 farmers from Bobon town and 159 fisherfolks from San Isidro towns received the aid from the central government on the last week of December 2016.

In Bobon town, recipients received PHP1.36 million worth of hand tractors, PHP750,000 motor cab, and PHP600,000 worth of jeep type side cars for a tricycle operators association. Another beneficiary are the operators of Kaunan San Kablas (restaurants for the poor) who got PHP350,000 worth of equipments and utensils.

Fisherfolks of San Isidro had received non-motorized boats with fish nets and paddle worth PHP350,000.

During the turnover ceremony, Bobon Mayor Rene Celespara underscored the government's mission in uplifting the condition of the poor, and in return, the people will have to contribute to economic growth.

“In fulfilling this mission, we have the DOLE which fully supported us not only in the area of livelihood provision, but also in the employment facilitation programs like the Government Internship Program and Special Program for Employment of Students,” Celespara said in a statement.

The DOLE expects to see the impact of the assistance to beneficiaries within a year.

DOLE has been providing livelihood assistance through its accredited co-partners like non-government agencies, local government units, people's and workers' organization. (PNA) FPV/SQM/Robert S. Bona (OJT)