IN A bid to provide a sustainable source of income to its residents, the local government of Arayat and the Department of Labor and Employment and Employment (DOLE) on Friday, June 3, 2022, distributed livelihood package to Arayateño women.

A total of 54 sewing machines with starter kits containing needles, threads, cloth and other sewing necessities were turned over during the ceremony held at the Arayat Sports Complex.

DOLE Central Luzon Director Geraldine Panlilio said some P1-million fund was allocated for the project which is under the agency’s Goal Integrated Livelihood and Employment Program.

“Pinili ang mga qualified beneficiaries ng ating Public Employment Services Offices katulad nung mga mananahi talaga na nawalan ng trabaho ngayong pandemic at sana makatulong ito sa kanila sa pang-araw-araw nilang gastusin o sa pag-aaral ng mga anak nila,” she said.

Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino, for his part, said that the project is part of his commitment to providing sustainable livelihood to his fellow Arayateños.

“Ito ang programa dapat ng gobyerno na ibigay ang kailangan ng mga tao pero imbes na dole out, ibinibigay na gamit talaga katulad ng mga makina para masiguro na magamit talaga nila sa kabuhayan nila,” he said.

Mayor-elect Madeth “Madir” Alejandrino, meanwhile, assured that livelihood projects, especially for women, will continue under her administration.

“Isa sa mga priorities natin ang pagpapalakas sa mga kababaihan. Gusto natin na magkaroon sila ng sariling kita kahit nasa bahay lang para hindi lang sila nakaasa sa mga asawa nila. Para rin ito makatulong sa pamilya para hindi lang sa lalaki ang trabaho, dapat nagtutulungan sila,” she said.