CEBU CITY, Cebu, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in Region 7 (DOLE-7) turned over some livelihood assistance to Lepantohanong Hugpong sa Kalambuan (LEHUK), a farmer’s association in Brgy. Lepanto, Alegria, Cebu.

The turn-over ceremony was one of the highlights of the Duterte Legacy Barangayanihan Caravan Cebu Leg held at the Municipal Plaza of Alegria on Oct. 24.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome Siaton presented the check amounting to P4,460,480 to Juan Medel, the people’s organization president of LEHUK who represented the group during the event.

As part of DOLE’s livelihood development assistance program, the financial aid will be used to fund the following activities and services: highland vegetable production, tourist and catering servicing center, and diving services for sanctuary eco-tourism in Alegria.

The remaining amount will be allocated for other start-up businesses that would benefit the farmers living in the said barangay. 

Medel thanked Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and other government officials for the support and assistance to their organization.

"Kaniadto nangandoy mi nga naa mi nindot nga barangay hall, nangandoy mi ang tanang sitio sa kabukiran kay mapuno sa mga suga. Nangandoy pud mi og day care center og karon naa nami nindot nga barangay hall og eskwelahan. Duna napud mi tubig og nahimu ni tungod sa pagtabang sa among mayor og ubang opisyales sa gobyerno (We used to wish for a nice barangay hall and that all sitios in remote areas would have electricity, and we also wanted a day care center. Now we have a barangay hall and a school along with water supply. All these was made possible due to the help of our mayor and other government officials)," said Medel. 

“Ako nagpasalamat sa mga tawong nitabang, ilabi na gyud sa mahal natung Presidente Duterte, kang Secretary Bello og Regional Director Siaton para sa mga livelihood programs sa DOLE-7 kay dako kay silang natabang samong panginabuhian sa kabukiran. Nibalik og kalunhaw ang among lugar tungod sa ilang pag-abag (I would like to thank everyone who helped us especially our beloved President Duterte, to Secretary Bello and Regional Director Siaton for the livelihood programs from DOLE-7 because they have been a big help to our livelihood in the mountains. Our area has recovered a lot due to their help)," Medel added. 

This financial assistance awarded by the department will serve as a tool in providing the farmer-members of LEHUK with more livelihood opportunities which will also help their own sector in establishing a different livelihood undertaking and for entrepreneurial ventures.

Through its livelihood services, DOLE-7 aims to build a positive impact on the lives of the people who benefit from its programs and services. (RGC/PIA7)