SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released Tuesday a total of PHP6.3 million worth of livelihood assistance to selected beneficiaries in the province.
In time for the celebration of Labor Day, DOLE Region 1 Director Nathaniel Lacambra said the amount would be given to several farmers’ organizations and some marginalized earners who recently trained with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).
Of the 21 towns and 2 cities of the province, the municipalities of Bacarra, Pinili, Paoay, Sarrat and Dumalneg were selected under DOLE’s integrated livelihood and entrepreneurship program.
“Here’s our way of celebrating Labor Day while others prefer to do it in the streets. We distributed a total amount of PHP6.3 million for Ilocos Norte to help uplift the living conditions of those living in far-flung areas for them to earn more,” Lacambra said.
After the ceremonial distribution of checks, represented by mayors of the five towns, Mayor Nicomedes dela Cruz of Bacarra town, the recipient of the biggest amount of PHP2.9 million, said the municipality is grateful for the livelihood assistance it received from DOLE.
“We will use the money to buy starter kits for some 40 newly-trained skilled individuals. They will be issued a complete set of welding gear and other equipment for them to start a living,” said dela Cruz.
Sarrat town Mayor Remigio Medrano, on the other hand, said the amount of PHP972,000 granted by DOLE would be used for the purchase of agricultural equipment to benefit some 10 farmer-organizations here. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
