ZAMBOANGA CITY, SEP 7, 2021 – Some 18 Isabeleños will be able to start their own livelihood ventures as they recently received Kabuhayan Starter Kits (KSK) through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9‘s DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) during a simple turn-over ceremony at the DOLE Isabela City Field Office, Isabela City, Basilan Province.

Regional Director Atty Roy L. Buenafe shared that the DILP is a grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood provided for the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers.

“The livelihood assistance enables the eligible beneficiaries to start their individual or group enterprise of their chosen project. The DOLE provides the tools and jigs to make this project possible along with capacity building,” Atty. Buenafe said.

ICFO OIC-Head Maria Elena T. Alabata shared that out of the 18 beneficiaries, 14 are fishermen while the rest are parents of child laborers.

“The beneficiaries were given starter kits according to their skills. We released kits for carpentry, food processing and dressmaking. This also includes Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) for 1 year,” Ms. Alabata added.

An entrepreneurship and financial literacy seminar was facilitated by PESO Manager of Isabela de Basilan, Ms. Aradelria T. Belleng to equip beneficiaries with basic concepts and principles on how to improve their income and how to manage their finances.

Ms. Belleng discussed the basic concepts and principles of Financial Management, Financial Security and Elevating Entrepreneurial kits.

The learning session aims to put an emphasis on the significance of having a clear family budget, saving habits as key to financial freedom, and ways to improve their products in the local market.

Mr. Manuel Sebastian, one of the beneficiaries from Purok 2, Barangay Calvario, Isabela City shared his sincere thanks and gratitude to DOLE for the livelihood assistance given to him.

“Gracias na ayuda que ya dale kunamun el DOLE, bien grande ayuda este kay pwede ya gayod iyo usa buska la vida para na mi familia. (Thank you so much DOLE for the assistance. I will now be able to augment my income for my family),” said Mr. Sebastian. ###