ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Region 9 (DOLE 9) turned over Kabuhayan Starter Kits (KSK) to 6 visually impaired persons during the 40th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week culmination activity held on July 24, 2018 at Palacio del Sur, Governor Camins, Zamboanga City.

“It is important for us to understand the needs and capabilities of PWDs and then give them opportunities for them to become more productive, self-reliant, and empowered to participate as active citizens contributing to the betterment of society and economy”, said Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo of DOLE 9.

Director Domingo also shared that the Kabuhayan Starter Kits Project falls under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) that aims to provide assistance to the informal sector or marginalized self-employed workers with insufficient income. The program is a form of DOLE intervention that seeks to contribute to poverty reduction through promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

The livelihood assistance amounting to PHP 108,810.00 worth of massage and wellness equipment and supplies was granted to the Zamboanga City International Airport Blind Masseurs under the Massage Facility Enhancement Project. The awarding of starter kits was facilitated by Chief Labor and Employment Officer Wesley D. Tan, Zamboanga City Field Office Chief Ian A. Lahi together with DOLE 9 staff ZCFO Livelihood Focal Sylvia delos Santos, Rey Julius Banzon and Emma Lim.

The beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to DOLE 9 for the livelihood assistance they received as this will help spur their economic condition likewise help them sustain their families’ daily needs.

Celebrated every third week of July, this years’ NDPRcelebration with the theme “Kaalaman at Kasanayan para sa Kabuhayan tungo sa Kaunlaran” focused on raising awareness on problems on disability and to encourage every citizen to take active responsibility in addressing these issues.

In Region 9, one of DOLE’s attached agencies, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) spearheaded the activities in partnership with different government agencies such as success story presentations of PWDs employed in both formal and informal economy and tournaments in basketball and bowling.

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