MANKILAM, Tagum City — What began as a modest lumpia venture is now a beacon of hope and empowerment in Purok Villa Magsanok, made possible through the unwavering support and intervention of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) under its Livelihood Assistance Program.
For 35-year-old Jonah E. Lanos, life used to be a daily battle to survive. As a carinderia vendor without a permanent stall, she juggled long hours and limited income just to put food on the table for her family.
But everything changed when she received an individual starter kit worth ₱20,000 from Dole — a seemingly small intervention that sparked a wave of transformation.
“With the help of Dole, I was able to set up three Nego Karts, hire nine employees, and increase my monthly income to ₱25,000,” Jonah shared, her voice filled with gratitude. “Now, I can support my family, save through cooperative banks, and travel across the Philippines with my loved ones — something I once thought was beyond reach.”
What makes her story truly remarkable is not just her own rise from hardship, but how she has become a source of upliftment for others. Her growing business has opened doors for nine individuals in her neighborhood, giving them stable jobs and renewed purpose.
Through the income they now earn, her employees have been able to send their children to school, buy appliances for their homes, and even purchase motorcycles to support their daily needs and mobility.
This ripple effect of opportunity is exactly what Dole envisions through its livelihood programs — building businesses that not only sustain lives but transform communities.
Jonah’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, hard work, and timely government support. It proves that with the right help at the right time, ordinary citizens can create extraordinary impact.
This story is part of Dole’s ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure the success of every livelihood assistance provided, leading to sustainable progress and meaningful change in the lives of its beneficiaries. PR