ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE 9) thru its Zamboanga City Field Office (ZCFO) released a check amounting to Php 999,203.00 representing livelihood assistance to 54 members of the Kampung Islam Fisherfolk Association on August 13, 2020.DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the Barangay Kampung Islam Local Government Unit  entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with DOLE 9 as an Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) in the fisherfolk association’s project implementation under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

“The said amount will be for the procurement of 33 sets of boats with engine and 21 units engine only to aid the members in fishing which is their main source of income,” Director Buenafe added.

Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao led the ceremonial release of the check together with Barangay Kampung Islam Chairman Habib Faizal B. Jamalul.

Barangay Chairman Jamalul, in his message, emphasized that the project is for the welfare of everyone and encouraged the members to work hard and not to lose the trust given to them by the government.

ARD Gatinao likewise addressed the fisherfolk on said that the meaning and purpose of the assistance is to help each family put food on the table and provide opportunity for others, outside the organization,  to earn a living since economic resources will eventually revolve within the community especially during the time of pandemic.

“We are very grateful to DOLE 9 for this assistance. It is the first time that our outcries as fishermen have been heard and addressed,” a teary-eyed Mr. Naufar D. Kasim said. He also thanked the Barangay Council for the utmost support to the association and the members for the trust and confidence afforded to him as their leader.

DILP is a flagship program of the DOLE which seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers either through emergency employment, promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. END/ KCGrafia with reports from Sylvia C. Delos Santos, Senior LEO, ZCFO