ZAMBOANGA CITY— Members of Paraiso Women’s Bakeshop in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte received additional funds of Php 423,325.00 from the Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE 9) for the enhancement of their cake and pastries business.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Roy L. Buenafe said that the assistance was made possible under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) particularly Kabuhayan Enhancement which  provides existing livelihood undertakings with additional working capital to enable them to grow into viable and sustainable business.

“Thru the facilitation of our field office in Zamboanga Sibugay, beneficiaries may now plan their business expansion with ease,” Dir Buenafe added.

Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao turned over the check to Mayor Salvador Antojado of LGU Kalawit, an Accredited Co-Partner of DOLE. Also present during the turn-over were Dolores Cadil, PESO Manager of Kalawit and Mrs. Lucia Matutis, the President of Paraiso Women’s Association.

“Thank you DOLE 9 and LGU Kalawit for giving this grant to our association to help us expand our livelihood project. This project has helped increase the income of members and also provided income opportunities to other members of the community,” said Ms. Lucia Matutis, Association President.

LGU Kalawit and Paraiso Women’s Association are National Awardees of the 2018 Best DOLE Livelihood Project.

END/ With reports from Edyll Grace Poligrates, LEO-III, ZSFO