ZAMBOANGA CITY – Food vendors in Barangay Vitali, Zamboanga City will receive food carts following the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 9’s turn-over of check to the Vitali Barangay Council on January 12, 2021.
Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the assistance is under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program particularly the Negosyo Kariton project.

“The Nego-Kart or Negosyo sa Kariton is a 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,” he said.

Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao and ZCFO Chief Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) Ian A. Lahi turned over a check worth PhP P474,160.00 to Barangay Vitali Chairperson Jose P. Alavar for the procurement of Nego Karts for 15 food vendors.

Zamboanga City Councilor Miguel C. Alavar lobbied Brgy. Vitali’s request for livelihood assistance to DOLE. Barangay Vitali will serve as the Accredited Co-Partner for the procurement of the Nego Karts as well as tools and jigs for food processing.

ARD Gatinao expressed that one of the significantly affected individuals especially during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the City were the vendors.

“These vendors are prioritized on the provision of livelihood assistance to augment their income. We hope that this assistance will help strengthen the economic system in the Barangay,” she added.

Barangay Vitali Chairperson Jose P. Alavar expressed his gratefulness to DOLE for the provision of livelihood assistance to his constituents. He is also thankful to City Councilor Alavar for the efforts on lobbying the assistance and for choosing their barangay as the recipient of the project.END/KC Grafia with reports from Joni Sarina R. Mejico, LEO-III, ZCFO
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