ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE 9) thru its Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office turns over a check amounting to PhP 425,905.00 to La Paz Women’s Association for the enhancement of La Paz Women’s Bakeshop in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay on July 7.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Roy L. Buenafe said that the financial assistance is under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) which aims to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers through promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

Representing RD Buenafe, Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao awarded the check to DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP)-Barangay LGU of La Paz headed by Barangay Captain Imelda Recamara.

Also present to witness the event were personnel from LGU NAGA, SB Member Helen Sandagon, MSWDO Mary Ann Subibi and PESO Manager Cecil Piañar.

La Paz Women’s Association President, Juliet S. Almada, expressed her gratitude to DOLE 9 for the livelihood enhancement opportunity.

 “We are very happy and grateful to receive this additional grant from DOLE to help us in the expansion of our livelihood project. This project has helped the lives of members by earning income through employment, through the selling of products and by earning an annual dividend from the purchase of products,” she said.

La Paz Women Association is a Regional Winner and National Finalist to the 2015 DOLE Best Livelihood Project.

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