DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office celebrated 57th Araw ng Tungawan through Awarding of Kabuhayan Starter Kits to 100 rubber tappers and Special Recruitment Activity on January 24, 2017 at the Municipal Hall of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

KSK Awarding

100 farmer beneficiaries, 4 of whom are women, received a kit consisting of knapsack sprayer, tapping knife, tapping hone, LED head lamp and personal protective equipment such as long sleeve shirts, rain boots and rain coat.

SB Member Arvie Arcillas, who represented Mayor Carlnan Climaco, shared in his opening message that the Kabuhayan Starter Kits is the government’s little way to help the rubber tappers. He said that even though these kits are small, he hopes that it will help the beneficiaries to progress.

Regional Director Ofelia Domingo said that DOLE’s priority for this year is Livelihood Enhancement where former beneficiaries who make good use of their starter kits will be given additional assistance.

DOLE ZSFO Chief LEO Imelda Gatinao emphasized one of DOLE’s missions, to increase the productivity of workers. She hopes that this starter kits will help the beneficiaries improve their lives and their families’ situations.

“Sobra nga kalipay ang among gibati nga gitabangan mi sa DOLE. Pinaagi sa ilang gihatag nga gamit, dili na mi kinahanglan nga mupalit pa.(We are very happy that DOLE has assisted us. We no longer need to buy equipment since they have provided it to us),” shared Abdulizan Basso, one of the beneficiaries and former Barangay Captain of Datu Tumanggong.

SRA Out of 19 registered jobseekers, 5 were hired-on-the spot. There were two participating establishments namely MMML Recruitment Services Inc. and Non-Stop Overseas Employment.

PESO Manager Gaudencio Abejero thanked everyone for heeding their call as he cited their celebration’s theme, “Pag-ambahan sa katawhan alang sa hingpit nga kalinaw ug kalambuan”. END

Joni Sarina Mejico, ZSFO