Capitol, Dole give P6-M livelihood grant to 284 kabalens, 22 groups

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), in coordination with the Pampanga Provincial Government, distributed P6 million worth of livelihood grants to 284 individuals and 22 groups under the Dole Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (Dileep) on Monday, March 9.

Dole Regional Director Zenaida Angara-Campita said the livelihood assistance is aimed at providing additional income and alternative employment for the vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the community.

The beneficiaries were given pushcarts, nego-karts, sewing machines, and different "pangkabuhayan" start-up kits.

Fortunato Angeles, 65-year-old scavenger beneficiary, was all smiles as he received the pushcart given to him by the Provincial Government.

"Ito po ang kabuhayang sumusuporta sa pamilya ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa gubyerno para sa tulong na ito. Sobrang laking bagay nito para sa aking pamilya (This has been our bread and butter which kept me and my family going. I thank the government for the assistance it has given. This means a lot to me especially in supporting the needs of my family)," he said.

Campita said the stories of the beneficiaries are living proof why their office keeps on implementing projects like this.

She said Dole wants to provide indigents with long-term livelihood programs that will help them in starting up their enterprises to generate income.

Campita said she has always regarded Pampanga as one of their prime partners in their advocacy of uplifting the lives of the poor.

"Dole has established a great partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga. We are confident that funds are well-utilized in serving the basic needs of the poor," she said.

Provincial Administrator Charlie Chua thanked Dole for the continuous support given to the marginalized Kapampangans.

"On behalf of Governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia 'Nanay' Pineda, and the board members, I would like to thank Dole for this wonderful project. The project is great especially for our kabalens who want to make a living and generate income. I hope projects like this would continue in the future so that more Kapampangans would benefit," Chua said.

Luningning Vergara, head of public employment service office (Peso), assured that the Provincial Government is currently working on programs designed to help the marginalized sector in having equal access to employment.

Dileep is a national government's poverty reduction program that aims to provide additional income and alternative employment through the provision of emergency employment to the vulnerable sector.

Campita, together with the board members, and Chua led the distribution during the awarding ceremony held at the Capitol grounds in the City of San Fernando. (PR)