ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 20, 2021 — Barangay Sinunuc Boulevard will experience more economic activity in the coming days as food vendors were given livelihood assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). 

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that 15 food vendors will be provided with a Negosyo Kariton or food carts which will be visible at the boulevard to serve snacks to the visiting public. 

The Nego-Kart (Negosyo sa Kariton) is DOLE’s project for ambulant vendors in major cities of the country. The project will assist the ambulant vendors in making their existing livelihood undertakings grow into profitable and sustainable business; thus, making their income level at par with that of the minimum wage earners, at the least.  

DOLE 9 OIC-Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Imelda F. Gatinao with DOLE Zamboanga City Field Office Chief Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) Ian A. Lahi turned over a cheque amounting to P474,160.00 to Barangay Sinunuc Chairperson Pilarica K. Ledesma on January 15, 2020.

Chairperson Ledesma said that the project is timely as Brgy. Sinunuc is developing and enhancing the Sinunuc Boulevard to become one of the tourist spots in the west coast. She thanked City Councilors Joselito A. Macrohon ang Miguel Alavar III who endorsed their request to DOLE. 

“Simpleng tao lang po kami kaya talagang masaya kami na napasama kami sa proyektong ito ng DOLE. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin,” said Mr. Ismael Ajid, one of the food vendors who will receive the Nego Kart. 

ARD Gatinao addressed the beneficiaries saying: “Ang buhay ng boulevard ay nakasalalay sa inyong mga kamay.”  She challenged the food vendors to make the assistance to good use, help their barangay and at the same time save for their future by securing social benefits. END/With reports from Joni Sarina R. Mejico, LEO-III, ZCFO