BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) has recently granted PHP15.335 million worth of livelihood and emergency employment aid to 1,329 beneficiaries in Negros Occidental.
In a report on Thursday, the DOLE-6 said it has partnered with various local government units and accredited co-partners through its Negros Occidental Field Office to provide assistance aimed to reduce the effects of poverty and adversity due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. is hopeful the agency’s goal of uplifting the economic situation of the beneficiaries will be achieved through these projects.
“DOLE and its partners envision the assistance will help each beneficiary and organization achieve their goals to prosper despite the difficulties,” he said.
In Escalante City, major livelihood packages totaling PHP2 million were turned over to two organizations.
The 64-member Sulong Kauswagan Inc. in Barangay Balintawak and the Malasaging, Barangay Pinapugasan Agrarian Farmers Association, which has 55 members, each received a PHP1-million consumer store project.
In Himamaylan City, the DOLE-6 turned over sizzling hot bagoong and dried fish processing projects worth PHP800,000 to beneficiaries in Barangay Su-ay.
Consumer stores, agricultural supplements, and fishing gears amounting to PHP3.2 million were released to 567 farmers, fisherfolks, and vendors in Barangay Aguisan, Himamaylan City; Barangay Vito, Sagay City; Barangay Punta Mesa, Manapla; and to members of the Solid Planters/Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
The Christian Advocates for Justice and Development in Negros, a faith-based organization and the agency’s constant partner in its advocacy on child labor, received PHP5.159-million assistance for retailing goods or opening of sari-sari stores of parents of child laborers.
In La Castellana, the DOLE-6 turned over a PHP1-million aid for the rice, feeds, and fertilizer supply store of the 60-member Hacienda Malaga Cuenca Agrarian Reform Cooperative.
Under the TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, some 571 beneficiaries have received PHP3.175 million in emergency employment assistance.
The recipients were from Barangays 16 and 31 in Bacolod City; Barangays Abo-Abo, Talotog, Iglau-an and Zone 1 in Murcia; Barangay Canlusong in E.B. Magalona; Barangay Pinggot, Ilog; and those under the Municipality of Binalbagan. (PNA)
