BACOLOR – The local government unit of Bacolor and Mayor Jose Maria Hizon and Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon Office (Dole-3) distributed on Monday 34 negocarts intended as a means of livelihood for ambulant vendors here.
“Gusto ko man kayong bigyan ng pambili ng pagkain araw-araw pero hindi ko po kayo natutulungan. Sa ganitong paraan, dito sa mga negocart na ito ay matututo kayong maghanap-buhay at kumita ng marangal para sa inyong pamilya,” Hizon said.
The negocarts are custom-built bicycles fit to the need of ambulant vendors. The funds used for the project was a grant from Dole livelihood assistance program, said municipal planning and development aide Rio Villafania.
Beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance program were handpicked from different barangays and were trained on the basics of business and small enterprise strategies.
Aside from negocarts, Hizon also distributed P2,500 each to the beneficiaries as start-up capital. Most of them are engaged in the sale of street food such as fish balls, squid balls, rice cakes, burger, banana cue, porridge and refreshments including fresh coconut juice.
The beneficiaries expressed thanks to Hizon and Dole for the livelihood assistance. Villafania said the 34 negocarts are the initial batch of livelihood assistance granted to the local government of Bacolor. He expressed optimism on similar projects in the future.
He said the negocarts will be monitored closely to make sure that that it is being properly maintained. “We will be monitoring them to ensure that the units are not sold to other enterprising individuals. This was agreed during our orientation and training. They know the consequence once found violating the rules and regulations.”
Hizon is also planning to distribute ice-boxes to interested households who wish to put small business like selling ice especially this summer.
“This is part of our Kabuhayan project to help our people and eventually make them entrepreneurs.” (Chris Navarro)