Ipil, ZSP-139 beneficiaries of Sulo Agrarian Reform Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SARBEMCO) gathered at the covered court to receive their individual rubber tapping kits under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program or DILEEP.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that the DILEEP is a flagship program of the DOLE that provides grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurial ventures for vulnerable and marginalized workers.

Zamboanga Sibugay’s major industry is rubber and the province is home to progressive rubber cooperatives whichkeep the industry thriving. that the Department has a long standing partnership with these cooperatives that are also considered as key employment generators in the province.

On February 7, 2018, DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Officeteam headed by Chief Labor and Employment Officer Imelda F Gatinao headed to Barangay Sulo, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay to facilitate the awarding of starter kits. Prior to receiving their kits, the workers were given orientation on Occupational Safety and Health, Child Labor Prevention and other Labor Education topics.

The new tools added leverage for better production thus ensuring the workers of their steady income.

Director Domingo encouraged vulnerable sector workers to visit DOLE Field Offices or the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) to avail of the livelihood assistance under DILEEP

With reports from Corazon Fatima P. Fallorin, LEO II