FISHERFOLK in Palompon, Leyte have received P573,980 worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Eastern Visayas to boost their income amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I hope these (new equipment) will inspire you to be more hardworking so that these help from our government will go a long way,” Fe Estrella, labor head of West Leyte Field Office, told Kalanggaman Fisherfolks Association during the awarding of livelihood assistance in Palompon recently.

The recipient association, with 27 members, received glass bottom kayaks, tables, chairs, and other equipment to help them in their livelihood in Kalanggaman Island, one of the famous tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas.

Estrella also urged the association “to be good stewards of the government assistance.”

“We are hopeful that these things we receive will help us and our families to survive the effects of the pandemic,” added Rolando Urboda, president of Kalanggaman Fisherfolks Association.

In a statement, Urboda thanked DOLE and the local government unit of Palompon “for helping us fisherfolks.”

The turnover of livelihood assistance was also witnessed by Palompon Mayor Georgina Arevalo, Peso Manager Annabelle Marquez and other officials. (SunStar Philippines)