“Daghang salamat kaayo DOLE kay nadawat na nako ang starter kit. Makasugod na gyud ko ug Negosyo! (Many thanks to DOLE for the starter kit I received! I can now start my business.)” was Evon Samaniego’s message at the official Facebook Page of the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9).Evon, a housewife and a resident of a quaint town in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, sent a message to the DOLE 9’s FB page hoping to get a reply for her request of a livelihood starter kit for commercial cooking.

She started to share details of how she applied for the program in 2018 thru a third-party organization but never got any updates on her application along with many of her neighbors. She was asked to obtain a Certificates of Indigency from the Barangay Hall as a requirement. However, after submitting that, nothing happened.

She added that her husband is jobless, and their kids are still very young so they really need all the help they can get from the government. Her husband, a fisherman, was forced to stop fishing due to bad weather. Wanting to help her family, she thought of opening a small carenderia in her neighborhood to help with the expenses especially during this time of pandemic.

Upon seeing her message, staff from the DOLE Online Public Assistance Desk immediately reached out and coordinated with her for the livelihood project application which was endorsed to the DOLE Zamboanga del Norte Field Office – the DOLE Office closest to her.

Regional Director Atty Roy L. Buenafe shared that Evon is just one of the many vulnerable informal sector individuals who the Department is helping thru the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program – Kabuhayan Starter Kit or KSK. It aims to provide a grant livelihood assistance to vulnerable and marginalized workers in form of tools, materials and equipment.

“As of September 30, 2020, DOLE 9 already released a total of Php 22.4 million to fund various livelihood projects and has benefitted 1,425 individuals all over Zamboanga Peninsula,” said Director Buenafe.

After explaining to Evon the guidelines of the program, DOLE ZNDFO turned-over her KSK for commercial cooking worth Php 20,000.00 which consists of a gas stove, gas cylinder, utensils pots and pans.

“Those who are interested to apply for KSK may visit the nearest DOLE Field Office to submit their requirements,” Director Buenafe shared.

Requirements are as follows: Valid ID (Photocopy), 1pc 2×2 photo, Barangay Certificate of Indigency, Certificate of Training from TESDA, Certification of Non-4Ps Member from DSWD/Barangay, Sketch/Location Map of Residence, Kabuhayan Program Beneficiary Profile Form and Business Action Plan Form. END