ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 6, 2022 – Two cooperatives in Zamboanga Sibugay Province received checks from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 on July 1, 2022 for the implementation of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Sibuguey Valley Community CATV Cooperative was granted the total amount of Php 5,226,724.00 for the fabrication of motorized pump boats and NegoStalls which will benefit 204 beneficiaries.

R.T. Lim Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, on the other hand, was granted Php 855,654.00 to fund Kabuhayan Starter Kits (KSK) of 45 beneficiaries.

A total of 249 beneficiaries composed of informal sector workers, parents of child laborers and rebel returnees are expected to benefit from the assistance.

Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao and Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (ZSFO) Chief Elamsalih E. Ungad handed the checks to Bayani Timbal, Chief Operating Officer of SVCMCATV and Roldan Geriani, General Manager of RTLEMPC during the Batang Malaya Tiktok Rap Challenge held at Ipil Municipal Hall, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The DILP is one of DOLE’s flagship programs that opens economic opportunities to the vulnerable and marginalized workers by providing them access to grant assistance for capacity building on entrepreneurial ventures, for either individual or group undertaking.

Under the program, beneficiaries are provided with training on business planning, basic entrepreneurship development training, productivity and workers safety and health, and production skills.

Aside from that, they are given working capital in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs and other support services. Support services such as common service facilities and training-cum-production can also be funded.

All beneficiaries are likewise enrolled to a group micro insurance scheme and are provided with continuing technical and business advisory services.