OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental (April 1) – Two informal and marginalized groups in this province recently received livelihood grants from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) amounting to over Half Million Pesos.
Leonardo G. Rodrigo, DOLE MisOcc provincial field office head said in a press statement that the 25 low income residents of Barangay Maular, Aloran LAC Kitchenette Association has received financial assistance worth P250,000 for swine fattening livelihood project.
Right after the project was approved by DOLE 10 regional director and lawyer Joffrey M. Suyao, the said grant was also released under the Kabuhayan Program of the national government thru DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) that provides grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurial ventures for the poor and vulnerable workers.
Meanwhile, the Dolipos Bajo Senior Citizen Association with 36 members also received the same livelihood assistance in the total amount of P300,000 for the group's rice trading project.
Being situated far from the city, which limits the accessibility of residents to the city for their basic necessities. Hence, selling of rice with minimal yet competitive mark-up will help entice the target market to buy at the proposed store as the beneficiaries projects to sell 265 half sack (25kgs) of rice every three months.
According to Rodrigo, the success of the project depends solely on the members’ dedication and skills. The concerted efforts of the elected officers, creation of functional committees and continuing coordination with the Barangay Council as Accredited Co-partner (ACP) of DOLE in the provision of assistance ensure the success of this undertaking.
“Mapasalamaton mi sa kanunay aning programaha sa DOLE hilabina kami nga mga senior citizens nga wala nay pangita ug naa nay mga maintenance nga tambal kay nahimo kining dakong tabang para sa dugang nga income sa among mga pamilya ug para pud sa mga residente sa among Barangay kay maka-save sila ug dako-dako sa ilang budget kay dili na sila kinahanglan mugasto pa ug dako sa transportation para lang mupalit ug bugas sa downtown,” Association President Victor M. Cahanap emphasized, who ensured efficient and proper business management having delegated responsibilities and tasks of purchasing, selling, auditing and product/stock inventory. Also, members with knowledge in basic management shall be appointed to take charge of the daily business operation.
(We are indeed grateful to this program of the DOLE especially for senior citizens like us who none or meager have incomes yet needing maintenance medicines. This is really a big opportunity for us given additional income for our families and as residents of the barangay as well. We will be able to save a lot since we will no longer incur transportation expenses to buy rice from downtown).
Rodrigo, on the other hand, encouraged the beneficiaries to properly manage and appropriately monitor the project for sustainability, in which case, a fund augmentation may be granted by the Department upon careful evaluation and assessment of the project. – Lorraine M. Roa
