ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 28, 2022 – Some 13 public transport workers in Zamboanga Sibugay received equipment and tools worth 30,000 pesos on October 27, 2022 at Sibugay International Plaza Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

In partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) and accredited co-partner Ipil Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IMAVEMCO), the Labor Department in Zamboanga Sibugay spearheaded the turn-over of kabuhayan starter kits collectively amounting to 390,000.00 pesos.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the assistance was made possible through the EnTSUPERneur Program which aims to provide alternative sources of income for public transport drivers and operators affected by the PUV Modernization Program of the DOTr and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“In Region 9, we are looking to assist 736 beneficiaries. The turn-over ceremonies will be done simultaneously with other provinces,” Buenafe added.

He shared that starter kits for small engine repair, welding services, commercial cooking, vulcanizing and vehicle painting, and rice retailing were procured for the beneficiaries through IMAVEMCO.

Assistant RD Imelda F. Gatinao who led the turn-over in Sibugay said in her message, “Narinig ng DOTr, ng LTFRB, ng OTC, at ng DOLE ang daing ng mga nasa transportation sector na apektado, kaya bawat isa sa inyo ay tatanggap ng tulong mula sa gobyerno na ibinatay sa inyong kakayahan at ang nais namin ay maging matagumpay kayo. (DOTr, LTFRB, OTC, DOLE heard your pleas in the transportation sector thus each of you will be receiving assistance from the government depending on your skills. We want you to succeed.)”

According to ARD Gatinao, a brief orientation about “enTSUPERneur” Program, PUVM, DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, and Occupational Safety and Health was given to beneficiaries to ensure an increased chance of success in their chosen livelihood endeavor.

She was also grateful for the presence of the following partners: Regional Director PBGen Johnson Almasan (ret) represented by Engr. Eddie P. Puy – Chief Officer of the Transport Division Office LTFRB IX, Judith L. Fernando, CDO II LTFRB IX, Aliyah Ismael – Cooperative Development Specialist II, OTC and Franklin T. Rivera, DOLE DILP Focal. END/With reports from Anna Donna M. Bama, LDS, ZSFO