THE city and concerned agencies of government on Thursday, June 20, unveiled Project Hope to provide alternative livelihood to canning factories in Zamboanga City.
Project Hope which stands for Helping Others Prosper Economically seeks to address the gap and help canning factory workers survive the fishing ban from December to March by engaging in agricultural farming.
Its implementation is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, canning factories and other agencies.
Lawyer Eric Elias, city caretaker and officer-in-charge, graced the unveiling of the project and committed the City’s support through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, City Agriculturist Office and City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Elias said Project Hope intends to benefit some 5,000 canning factory workers.
He said through Hope, affected workers now have an alternate source of income until the resumption of operations at the sardine and canning factories. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)