In line with the celebration of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IX (DOLE 9) joined the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fair where 6 DOLE-Assisted Livelihood exhibitors participated in the Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) Livelihood Fair held at Palacio Del Sur, Zamboanga City from October 8-11, 2018.

DOLE 9 Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that the regional exposition showcases and promotes various innovative and novelty products of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

She further added, “DOLE 9 has helped many beneficiaries start their own livelihood projects and what better way to showcase them than to participate in activities like this.”

Among the exhibitors were the different worker’s association from across the region namely Tulungatong Women’s Tailoring Association, Yakan Weaver Albarakkatu Multipurpose Cooperative, Tugbungan Women Association, IMARVEMCO, GARBEMCO, Phesalabuan Indigenous People Association, Cassava Growers Association and Women Association of Dumingag Zamboanga del Sur.

These organizations exhibited a wide range of products during the livelihood fair such as assorted bags, woven wallets, abaca handicrafts, food items to include dulaw, ginger, dulaca, salabat powder, pancit, miki and misua.

Collectively, they earned a total of Php 10,455.00 during the 3-day activity.
The products displayed by DOLE-Assisted Livelihood exhibitors are the result of the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter KITS Project which is a livelihood formation strategy that is intended to bring about improved socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal economy, in groups/sectors with special concerns, and displaced wage workers (local and overseas) and their families.
The project provides livelihood starter KITS consisting of a package of services that will enable the target beneficiaries to start quickly a livelihood undertaking and become self-employed. It aims to engage them in sustainable self-employment through easy to learn livelihood undertakings.
The beneficiaries extended their heartfelt gratitude to DOLE 9 and Director Domingo for giving them the opportunity to sell, display and promote their local products and expressed their wish to participate in next year’s exhibit. END/KCG with reports from Sylvia delos Santos, LEO III