MAASIM, Sarangani -- Forty-three former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and disadvantaged workers in Maasim can now jumpstart local economic activities after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 awarded kabuhayan starter kits to identified beneficiaries.
DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante led the distribution of livelihood package from DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) amounting to P725,530 for former OFWs and disadvantaged worker in a ceremony at the Barangay Daliao Gymnasium on July 9.
Beneficiaries include women, ambulant vendors, skilled workers, transport workers, and former OFWs, who will to venture into small business undertakings such as dressmaking, welding services, barbeque and food vending, eateries, and transport services.
"Mahigit sampung taon ako sa abroad at nang nakabalik ng bansa noong 2017 ay medyo mahirap pa rin talaga ang buhay dito. Malaki ang aming pasasalamat sa DOLE sa tulong pangkabuhayan na aking magagamit sa proyektong mini carinderia," said Jobaina Ibrahim, one of the beneficiaries.
(I've worked abroad for more than 10 years. When I came home in 2017, life here has been quite hard. We are very thankful to DOLE for this livelihood assistance that I can use for my mini-carenderia project.)
In his message to the beneficiaries, Director Agravante said, "it is our beloved Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III's desire that all our OFWs who came home and our informal workers will succeed in their businesses from our livelihood programs, especially amidst the pandemic."
Maasim Mayor Zyrex Pacquiao thanked DOLE for the continued livelihood formation support that could help the municipality's informal sector workers and former OFWs cope with the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.
Also present during the event were Maasim Vice Mayor Vicitacion Nambatac, Daliao chairman Alladin Tambingag, SLEO Maria Ligaya Balongo, and Maasim PESO personnel.
DILP is a flagship program of the DOLE which seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerabilty to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers either through emergency employment, promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. (CDGamboa/MLBalongo-DOLE XII/DED-PIA XII)
