THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Eastern Visayas has turned over P500,000 worth of poultry business to 35 members of the Cabuynan Small Coconut Farmers Organization in Tanauan, Leyte.

“I am so grateful to our labor department here in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) for assisting us in terms of augmenting the income of our constituents here in Tanauan. It is indeed a big help not just for the local government unit most importantly to the beneficiaries and their families,” said Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson Jr.

The direct beneficiaries of the project entitled “Layer Poultry Farming” are from Barangay Cabuynan, Tanauan, said Dole Information Officer Norma Rae Costimiano.

Gemma Dela Cruz, senior labor and employment officer of Dole-North Leyte Field Office representing Director Yahya Centi, urged the local government officials and the association “to really look into the business so that it will become sustainable.”

“We hope that through the coordinated efforts of the Cabuynan Small Coconut Farmers Association and the supervision of the LGU, this project will be a successful one. We are happy that you now have this business but we will be much happier if this will become sustainable,” said De la Cruz.

“The beneficiaries were so happy that finally, they now have their own business. Per approved livelihood proposal, the association was granted 10 egg laying units equivalent to 480 chickens,” added Costimiano.

According to Costimiano, the association saw it as an opportunity for them to venture in the said business considering there is no existing layer farmer in the town.

“With the help of the DOLE and LGU, their plan is now a reality,” she said. (SunStar Philippines)