VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- A total of P995,662.00 worth of tools and equipment for chips production was received by San Isidro Farmers Cooperative (SIFARMCO) from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Catanduanes during the awarding ceremony held on August 11, 2023 at San Andres Municipal Hall.

The grant is under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) which is DOLE’s contribution to the government’s agenda for inclusive growth through significant poverty reduction and job growth and with the aim of decreasing the risk exposure of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers by granting them access to assistance for capacity-building on livelihood ventures.

DOLE Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita, CESO III, personally graced the awarding ceremony. In her message, she expressed that she has high hopes for the success and long-term viability of the endeavor urging the beneficiaries to utilize it efficiently.

She also said that the said endeavor is in collaboration with Department of Environment and Natrual Resources (DENR); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Cooperative Development Authority (DAR); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Catanduanes.

Meanwhile, SIFARMCO Chairman, Mr. Oscar Tan, extended his gratitude to DOLE and to the various agencies who played pivotal role in the growth and success of their organization recounting the journey that they undertook to realize the significant livelihood initiative.

He said that the tools and equipment will significantly improve and increase production of Banana, Taro, and Cassava Chips, thereby, increasing their revenue.

Present during the awarding are the following: Mayor Leo Mendoza of San Andres; PESO Manager Jeremy Manlangit of LGU San Andres; Regional Director Dindo Nabol and Catanduanes Provincial Director Ma. Belma Escueta of DTI; OIC PARPO II Nerrisa Aldea of DAR Catanduanes; Grace Mansanades of DENR Catanduanes; Ophar June Dy of CDA Catanduanes; OIC Eduardo Lovedorial of DOLE Catanduanes; along with SIFARMCO members and the DOLE CPO DILP Team. (EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)