MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--The Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE 10-BukPFO), through its Public Employment Service Office and in collaboration with the BIDA program of the DILG, recently turned over livelihood starter kits worth P300,000 to 20 Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUD), who completed their 90-day community-based rehabilitation program.

The initiative aims to promote economic empowerment and long-term livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries by assisting them in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

DOLE Bukidnon Provincial Director Raul Valmores said he hopes to see the lives of drug surrenderees improved through livelihood assistance.

"Our office, in partnership with the Local Government Unit, will continue to assist PWUDs to reintegrate them into the community," he said.

Maramag Municipal Mayor Atty. Jose Joel Doromal conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) and assured them of continuous support from the local government. 

He emphasized that the municipality is committed to providing opportunities for PWUDs to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after completing the rehabilitation program.

Dante dela Cruz, a PWUD from Brgy. La Roxas received a Bigasan Project, fulfilling his dream of owning a business to support his family.

“Pasalamat ko sa Lord ug pasalamat ko sa gobyerno nga gihatagaan ko ug second chance ug tabang para sa akong panginabuhian,” dela Cruz said.

DILP, or the Kabuhayan Program of DOLE, is a flagship program of the agency that aims to help marginalized groups, which include self-employed workers who are unable to earn sufficient income, unpaid family workers, low-waged and seasonal workers, workers displaced or replaced, marginalized and landless farmers, marginalized fisher-folks, women and youth, persons with disability, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, victims of armed conflicts, rebel returnees, and parents of child laborers. (MAJC/KCP/DOLE 10-BukPFO/PIA 10/Bukidnon)