LIVELIHOOD AID. Members of the Calunasa Broom-Maker Association (CBMA) display their product as they pose for posterity with officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7). CBMA is among the 10 workers' groups that received a total of PHP6.5 million worth of livelihood assistance. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-7)
CEBU CITY – Ten associations of self-employed and marginalized individuals in Bohol province have been tapped to receive PHP6.5 million worth of government assistance to finance their businesses that will boost their livelihood.
Lilia Estillore, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment-Central Visayas (DOLE-7), said Wednesday that a total of 386 members of these associations accredited by the agency have benefited from the program.
They are into egg production, broom making, peanut butter processing and maintaining vulcanizing shops, and others.
“The DOLE-7 encourages the beneficiaries to run their businesses properly so that many can benefit from government assistance. This, to surely improve their lives,” Estillore told the Philippine News Agency in Cebuano.
DOLE-7 information officer Luchel Taniza said the Patrocinio Organic Vegetable Grower Association with 26 farmer members received PHP498,540 and Bato Women Association got PHP497,990 to jumpstart their egg production project.
Taniza said the Rosario Women’s Association received PHP249,048 for its peanut butter processing and marketing project while Santa Cruz Fishermen Association was granted PHP498,370 livelihood assistance for its bangus production.
According to her, peanut butter making was cited as a viable undertaking as raw materials, particularly peanuts, are available in Bohol and the members have already been into peanut butter making.
The Calunasa Broom-Maker Association received a total of PHP498,544 for its project that adopts an environmentally sound concept of business while the Alburquerque Tricycle Drivers Association received PHP498,410 to aid in its vulcanizing, carwash and motorcycle spare parts retailing.
Assistance was also granted to San Miguel Island Cabatuan Irrigators Association Inc. in Tagbilaran City amounting to PHP840,000; Smile San Vicente Farmers Association for Farm Implements Rental and Services project (PHP995,000.00); and Camarin Farmers Association of Danao, Bohol (PHP473,340) for free range chicken.
The United Prohance Irrigators’ Association, Inc. and La Hacienda-Katipunan Farmers Association received the highest grant in the amount of PHP1.4 million to fund their farm machinery rental and service and egg production projects, respectively. (PNA)
