ISABELA CITY, BASILAN – In a significant effort to promote economic upliftment and empowerment, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 9 (DOLE RO9) through its DOLE Isabela City Field Office (DOLE-ICFO) turned over DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Project Checks amounting to Php 5,931,784.00 to DOLE Accredited Co-Partners (ACPs) Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. (NFI) and United Workers Agrarian Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) to fund various livelihood projects in Isabela City, Basilan. The ceremonial turn-over took place on July 27, 2023, at Sakayan Hall, Isabela City Hall Complex, Sunrise Barangay, Isabela City de Basilan.

The activity aims to recognize the resilience, determination, and achievements of individuals and to provide them with the necessary tools and equipment through the Livelihood Kits. With these resources, beneficiaries are expected to thrive in their chosen businesses for the upliftment of their economic status.

The ACP- NFI received a check amounting to Php 847,816.00 for the various livelihood projects such as the Negokart Project for 20 beneficiaries and the Maligue Bamboo Base Craft Livelihood project for 19 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the ACP-UWARBMPC received a total check amounting to Php 5,083,968.00 for the various livelihood projects benefiting 197 beneficiaries. The Livelihood Kits Project covered various initiatives, the breakdown of beneficiaries and the corresponding amounts of assistance are as follows:

•P 3,084,232.00 – for 103 Beneficiaries for various livelihood kits – (60 Parents of Child Laborers, 15 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and 28 beneficiaries profiled under Project NERS – National Employment Recovery Strategy.
•P 998,096.00 – for 34 Beneficiaries for various livelihood kits – (3 Parents of Child Laborers, 1 Indigenous People (IP), 1 Senior Citizen, 2 PWDs, 3 Youths, and 24 Skilled Informal Sector (IS))
•P 996,640.00 – for 60 Beneficiaries on Poultry Egg Farming

The activity was graced by the DOLE Regional Office 9 Regional Director Albert E. Gutib; Head of DOLE Isabela City Field Office, Ms. Marlyn M. Anoos; LGU Isabela City represented by Mr. Pedrito Eisma, City Administrator; Ms. Aradelria T. Belleng, PESO Manager-Isabela City; Ms. Miriam L. Suacito, Executive Director NFI; and Engr. Sajid T. Baholoy of UWARBMPC.

Ms. Belleng, welcomed the guests and participants, and commended the active involvement of DOLE 9 in helping the people of Isabela City. She emphasized the importance of sustainability and the collaborative efforts of the local government and partner agencies for the betterment of the people.

RD Gutib, expressed his sincere appreciation for the support of LGU Isabela City, especially to Cong. Mujiv Hataman and City Mayor Hon. Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman. He emphasized the commitment of DOLE and its partners to focus on the social development of beneficiaries, anchoring on President Marcos’ directive, and reiterated DOLE’s commitment to providing quality employment and livelihood opportunities to alleviate poverty in Isabela City.

“Nagkaisa upang magtulungan. Sana, sa tulong ng gobyerno, tayo ay magkaisa para sa pag-unlad ng bayan. Tayo ay binigyan ng binhi na dapat nating diligan at tumubo para lumaki at bumunga ng marami,” said RD Gutib, reminding the beneficiaries to nurture the opportunities given to them for their growth and prosperity.

Mr. Eisma, also commended DOLE 9 for its laudable projects in Isabela City. He urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the resources provided to them and treat the projects as their own to maximize their potential.

Ms. Anoos, expressed her gratitude for the support of the ACPs and the attendance of the beneficiaries. Ms. Anoos assured the beneficiaries that the DOLE will guide them every step of the way, from turn-over to liquidation, with the unwavering support of LGU Isabela City through Mayor Hataman and Congressman Hataman.

The ceremonial turn-over of more than P5 million worth of livelihood project marked a remarkable step forward in empowering individuals and uplifting communities in Isabela City. The support from DOLE and its partners reaffirms their dedication to creating lasting positive change in the lives of the beneficiaries. END/with reports from Alvin Ocliaso, DOLE-ICFO.