ISABELA CITY, BASILAN — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) thru its Isabela City Field Office (ICFO) released a check amounting to PHP 581,700.00 worth of livelihood grants to out of school youth in Menzi, Basilan.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that the grant was received by the Menzi Young Magical Printers Youth Association through DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner, BLGU Menzi.

She said that the assistance which is under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program will benefit fifty-eight (58) OSYs.

The turn-over of check was held at the Covered Court of Brgy. Menzi on September 12, 2019 in the presence of the Officers and members of the association led by Mr. Jerome Erick C. Dumdum, President of the association.

Also present to witness the turn-over were partners from various agencies: City PESO Manager Rosella T. Luna, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Miriam L. Suacito, City Population Commission Officer Jesielyn O. Puno, Alternative Learning System – DepEd Isabela City Elma Uckung, LGU Staff Mr. Jaime Juanito Rivera, Negosyo Center In-Charge of DTI 9, Ms. Maria Carmen La Guardia, the Barangay Council of Menzi led by the Barangay Chairpeson Ms. Marilyn N. Aguinid.

ICFO Chief Administrative Officer, Elsa B. Tan, reported to Director Domingo that the approved livelihood project proposed by the beneficiaries is a Tarpaulin, T-Shirt Printing & Souvenir shop.

She said that the grants will fund the implementation of the project and will defray the cost of equipment, tools and other needed materials. Part of the said amount shall also be allotted for an Occupational Safety & Health orientation and GSIS Personal Accident Insurance as required.

The beneficiaries will also undergo trainings on Computer Layouts, Corel Draw and Adobe Photoshop’s 3, Enhanced Training on Tarpaulin making , Enhanced Training on mug printing and ID lamination, Enhancement training on Digital T-shirt printing, Marketing strategy and Financial Management Training as part of the livelihood package.

Barangay Chairperson Marilyn N. Aguinid expressed her thanks to DOLE and partner agencies for the support extended to her constituents. She further added:

“Atong ampingan ang gihatag sa gobierno sa atoa ug atong ipalambo aron kita na pud ang makatabang sa uban sa umaabot nga panahon. (Let us take care of the resources the government gave us and prosper it so we can also help others in the future).” END/With reports from Marlyn J. Anoos, LEO-III, ICFO