DOLE Region 8 releases PHP13.47-M livelihood grant on Labor Day

PALO, Leyte, May 1 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday released PHP13.47 million as livelihood assistance to poor communities in Eastern Visayas during Labor Day celebration at the Leyte Academic Center, this town.

At least 1,812 jobless individuals stand to benefit from the cash grant meant for six towns and one village.

Of the total beneficiaries, 290 of them are from Tacloban City (PHP2.52 million); 245 from Burauen, Leyte (PHP2.71 million); 57 from Bolodbolod village, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte (PHP500,000); 100 from Giporlos, Eastern Samar (PHP900,000); 403 from Taft, Eastern Samar (PHP3.27 million); 512 from Victoria, Northern Samar (PHP1.59 million ); and 205 from Bobon, Northern Samar (PHP1.89 million).

“It is not everyday that the government is giving out money to beneficiaries. Not everybody is privileged to receive that kind of grant. Let us not waste the resources that the 

government had selflessly given to us,” said Exequiel R. Sarcauga, DOLE Eastern Visayas regional director. 

The labor department identified the beneficiaries based on low wages and seasonal work; marginalized and landless farmers; self-employed; unpaid family workers; and parents of child laborers. 

The program aims to provide access to livelihood activities to poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers in order to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks.

The official also urged concerned local government units to manage and monitor the implementation of the programs. (Eunice T. Asuncion & Meagan C. Duya-OJT/PNA)