IGACOS — A story of perseverance and sweet success unfolds in Barangay Cogon as Mr. Herbert V. Navarez, a small-scale entrepreneur and owner of Navarez Ice Cream, received a P30,000 livelihood grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 11 this June 2025, under its Kabuhayan Program.
Mr. Navarez, who has been running his ice cream business with limited tools and capital, was among the identified beneficiaries of Dole’s livelihood assistance aimed at helping informal and vulnerable workers sustain or start their micro-enterprises. The grant comes as a timely lifeline for his growing yet financially constrained business.
“Daghang salamat sa Dole sa ilahang livelihood program kay ako isa ka negosyante, maglisud kog palit sa mga kailanganon kay kulang sa capital. Karon, gitabangan ko sa Dole para mapadayun ning akong negosyo (Thank you very much to Dole) for their livelihood program. As a small entrepreneur, I struggled to buy the things I needed because I lacked capital. Now, Dole has helped me continue my business].” Navarez expressed with gratitude.
The P30,000 grant will be used by Mr. Navarez to purchase essential items such as quality ingredients, utensils, containers, and ice cream cones. These much-needed upgrades will allow him to increase production, ensure product safety, and expand his reach to more customers across Igacos.
The grant is allocated for a two-month supply of ingredients and essential materials for ice cream production. With this support, Mr. Navarez estimates that he can now earn between P1,000 to P2,000 per day, depending on the volume of customers and weather conditions.
According to him, the grant will not only help stabilize his operations but will also allow him to enhance the quality of his products and reach more areas within the city. His next goal is to invest in a freezer, a durable cart, and improved packaging to make Navarez Ice Cream more accessible and attractive to customers.
His brand, Navarez Ice Cream, has already earned recognition in his community for its rich, affordable, and homemade taste. With the support from Dole, he is now optimistic about the future of his business and even dreams of creating employment opportunities for others in his barangay.
The Dole Kabuhayan Program is a flagship initiative that provides starter kits and financial support to enable individuals to engage in income-generating activities. It reflects the agency’s continued commitment to promoting decent livelihoods, reducing poverty, and empowering grassroots communities through entrepreneurship.
Navarez’s journey from hardship to opportunity is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of responsive government programs. His story now serves as an inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs in Samal who continue to work hard despite economic limitations. PR