GUAGUA -– Some 100 marginalized residents of Guagua, Pampanga recently received a P1,000,000 livelihood assistance in form of Nego Trailers by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
The provision of livelihood assistance was initiated by the Local Government of Guagua, through its Public Employment Service Office (Peso), and Dole Pampanga Field Office.
Dole-Central Luzon Regional Director lawyer Ana Dione reported to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that 5 units of Nego Trailers were distributed at the town’s plaza.
“Each of these Nego Trailers will benefit at least a group of 20 beneficiaries, who for their part, will take turns through shifting periods in manning the operations of their livelihood project,” Dione explained.
“These mobile food trailers, already provided with kitchen utensils and appliances, will help the beneficiaries sell their various food products to their target market within the community,” she added.
Guagua Mayor Dante Torres, Municipal Councilor Joan Carreon, DOLE Pampanga Field Office head Arlene Tolentino, PESO Manager Eloida Samonte, and other local officials led the distribution of the nego trailers.
Dole-Pampanga Field Office head Arlene Tolentino said that the livelihood beneficiaries comprise solo parents, persons with disabilities, and women members of a school’s parents-teachers association.
“We are hopeful that our various resident beneficiaries will be able to maximize the use of these Nego Trailers and transform them to sustainable livelihood projects that would benefit their respective families as well as their community,” Tolentino said.
The local government for its part, provided a 20 percent counterpart assistance amounting to P250,000 in form of various training and additional jigs and materials.
All beneficiaries have undergone an Entrepreneurship Development Training or EDT to ensure the proper management of their Nego Trailers and transform them into formidable businesses.
The provision of livelihood assistance was source from the Dole Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program under its Bottoms-Up-Budgeting funds. (PR)