ZAMBOANGA CITY — Zamboanga Peninsula Region continues to honor the workforce with a month-long celebration of Labor Day. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 – Isabela City Field Office (ICFO) in Basilan Province celebrated this special occasion with the informal sector composed of displaced workers and their dependents, rescued friends and parents of child laborers.Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the celebration of Labor Day is not only for the workers in the formal sector but more so for those who are in the informal sector. Especially since the pandemic hit, they are one of the sectors much affected by the imposition of community quarantines.

A session on Entrepreneurship Development and Financial Literacy with Gender Perspective and turn-over of Kabuhayan Starter Kits were conducted on May 13 and 14, 2021 at Claret College of Isabela, Isabela City, Basilan Province.

“One way that DOLE can help is with the provision of livelihood starter kits. Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, beneficiaries are given the opportunity to earn income as entrepreneurs. We provide them with tools and jigs so they can start their livelihood right away,” Director Buenafe shared.

DOLE 9 released an estimated amount of PHP 3,600,000 to fund starter kits for food processing, dressmaking and carpentry which cost more or less PHP 30,000 each for 120 beneficiaries.

As a prerequisite to receiving the starter kits, the beneficiaries attended a two-day activity with the aim of equipping them with knowledge on how to properly manage their chosen enterprises. DOLE ICFO Team headed by OIC Field Office Head Ma. Elena T. Alabata facilitated the learning sessions.

The session concluded with a simple turn-over ceremony attended by Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, Public Employment Services Officer Ms. Aradelria T. Belleng and Isabela City Police Station Police Major Benjemar Ajibon.