AT LEAST 50 bakers, dressmakers and entrepreneurs have received a total of P724,400 worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-Eastern Visayas.
"It is my dream to see you in the future having your respective businesses reaching even the foreign market. And that will start by you being so dedicated to your crafts," said Dole Regional Director Yahya Centi.
Centi said the money was from the agency's Dole Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) funds, which were downloaded to the City Government of Tacloban for the implementation of three approved individual and group projects on dressmaking, bread and pastry, and souvenirs and gift shop.
Of the P724,400 budget, P150,000 was utilized for the procurement of 10 units of sewing machines and P176,400 was spent for 10 ovens, said Norma Rae Costimiano, of the Dole's information office.
The Tacloban Entrepreneurs Association Marketing Cooperative also received a total of P398,000 worth of assistance for its proposed souvenirs and gift shop project.
"I can really testify how we are able to avail emergency employment program from the Dole during the [Typhoon] Yolanda. As a barangay chairman that time, I was so thankful for all those help for our constituents who were trying to cope with the challenging situation. I am grateful to Dole for all the help," said Tacloban Councilor Leo Bahin during the turnover of livelihood tools and equipment.
Meanwhile, Centi challenged the livelihood beneficiaries "to grow their respective businesses and not settle for what they have at present." (SunStar Philippines)