ZAMBOANGA CITY– Some 50 informal sector workers of Olutanga Municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 through its Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (ZSFO) in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the Olutanga Gym, Poblacion on July 12, 2021.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the starter kits form part of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program which is a flagship program of the DOLE that provides grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurial ventures for vulnerable and marginalized workers.

The turn-over was in partnership with LGU-Olutanga as the Accredited Co-Partner to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal economy and reduce poverty incidence in the said Municipality.

DOLE ZSFO Head Elamsalih E. Ungad and Olutanga Mayor Arthur P. Ruste Sr. handed the individual livelihood kits worth PhP1,025,931.00 to the beneficiaries. The kits consist of tools and jigs for gardening, baking and pastry making, welding among a few.

Mayor Ruste, in his message, committed to monitor beneficiaries in the operation of their small businesses and added that he will incentivize beneficiaries who are doing well with their project by providing them with a stall/space in the public market.

Mr. Joel O. Osias, a beneficiary from Solar, Olutanga, beamed with a smile as he received his Baking and Pastry equipment from the DOLE.

He said, “Nalipay kaayu ko ug dako nga nakadawat aning grasya gikan sa gobyerno, wala gyud diay mi pasagdi sa gobyerno.” (I am very happy to receive this blessing from the government indeed the government has regard for us.)

The participants were given basic orientation on Occupational Safety and Health, DOLE Guidelines on Livelihood Project and Social Media Marketing. END/With a report form Edyll Grace Poligrates,Sr. LEO- ZSFO