IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed some PHP1.6 million worth of livelihood starter kits to members of the informal sectors in this province.
The starter kits were distributed on Thursday during the conduct of the one-day day Jobs Fair, which is one of the activities in the celebration of the 17th anniversary of this province.
Imelda Gatinao, DOLE provincial head, told the Philippine News Agency the distribution of the starter kits was aimed to boost the livelihood of the beneficiaries, who re from the informal sector.
Gatinao said there were 108 beneficiaries who received an average of PHP15,000 livelihood starter kits.
Gatinao said the beneficiaries were identified through the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) of the province.
They included carpenters, masonry workers, cosmetologists, barbers, electricians, and food vendors.
“They have the skills and based on our evaluation, they needed the tools to boost their income,” Gatinao said citing they receive low pay, like the carpenters, since they lack the tools.
“We hope to professionalize those in the informal sector through the starter kits we are providing,” she added.
Meanwhile, some 8,947 vacancies are up for grabs in the one-day Job Fair aimed to provide employment to local job seekers.
The Job Fair was participated by 12 local firms and seven recruitment agencies for overseas employment.
Gov. Wilter Palma has urged the local job seekers to take opportunity of the Jobs Fair. (PNA)
