The business disruption caused by the COVID -19 pandemic struck the fragile finances of small businesses. Though it has affected people from all walks of life, it has unfortunately impacted the lower segment of the society whose means of livelihood were compromised due to the imposition of activity and travel restrictions.

Bernaditha Broncano, 39-year old and a native of Iriga City, and Cenon Cerdan, 58-year old of Buhi, Camarines Sur, were not spared of the massive fiscal dislocations. They struggled to stay afloat for almost two years since the onset of the COVID shock.

As COVID continue to affect small businesses, Nanay Bernaditha and Tatay Cenon never gave up as they see a ray of hope that one day they will eventually recover from the challenges brought by the global pandemic.

DOLE’s "Bikecination" Project

Mandated to promote employment opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Bicol regional and provincial office in Camarines Sur, has recently turned-over a total of P450,000 worth of livelihood packages to the affected small business players.

Each beneficiary received a total of P25,000 worth of DOLE’s “Bikecination” program package which include bicycles and other accessories like  helmet, insulated bag, rear and front light, vest, rain coat and water tumbler. They also received cellphones and P4,000 worth of cellphone load.

In a press statement, DOLE Regional Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita said the bicycles are not just for short distance transportation but also for a livelihood opportunity, and a tool for expanding the entrepreneurial ventures of small businesses.

"Ang mga biseklitang ito ay instrumento na nagpapatunay ng patuloy na pagmamalasakit ng DOLE sa mga manggagawang labis na naapektuhan ang kabuhayan dulot ng pandemya. Nawa’y magamit ninyo sa pagpapalago ng inyong mga negosyo nang sa gayon ay mas marami pa tayong matulungan na tao sa gitna ng krisis na kinakaharap ng buong mundo (These bicycles are testimonies of DOLE’s concern over our workers whose livelihood were gravely affected by the pandemic. We hope that they will make use of it to grow their businesses in the midst of the continuing pandemic)," Campita explained.

Vaccination freebies

Tatay Cenon and Nanay Bernaditha are among the 18 beneficiaries of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) which aims to lessen the burden of workers across the region who were affected by the continuing pandemic.  

They too, already completed their two doses of vaccine and are waiting for their booster shots.

“The Bikecination project provides a bicycle to qualified applicants. They can use this for delivery and food services, along with a mobile phone and load wallet to engage in e-loading business. These were given to vaccinated vendors.  Through this program, we are also encouraging those who have completed the two doses of COVID-19 vaccines to avail of the said assistance,” Campita said.

RD Campita enjoined the vaccinated vendors/ recipients to also help the government spread awareness on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines for the safety of the people of Camarines Sur.  The more people are vaccinated, the faster that the province can recover from economic loss. (With a report from ACollantes and CAndalis-PIA5/Camarines Sur)