THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Zamboanga City Field Office (ZCFO), has provided a boost to the livelihood of a local fishing group.

This, as DOLE recently released P999,203 representing livelihood assistance to the 54 members of the Kampung Islam Fisherfolk Association.

Lawyer Roy Buenafe, DOLE regional director, said that the Kampung Islam village council entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with his office as an Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) in the fisherfolk association’s project implementation under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

“The said amount will be for the procurement of 33 sets of boats with engine and 21 units engine only to aid the members in fishing which is their main source of income,” Buenafe said.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Imelda Gatinao led the ceremonial release of the check together with Kampung Islam Village Chief Habib Faizal Jamalul.

Jamalul has emphasized that the project is for the welfare of everyone and encouraged the members to work hard and not to lose the trust given to them by the government.

Gatinao told the fisherfolk that the purpose of the assistance is to help each family put food on the table and provide opportunities for others, outside the organization, to earn a living since economic resources will eventually revolve within the community especially during the time of pandemic.

DILP is a flagship program of the DOLE which seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers either through emergency employment, promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. (SunStar Zamboanga)