LUNA, Apayao – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently provided livelihood assistance to 28 yApayaos, totaling P798,697.
This initiative is part of the livelihood program of the DOLE which aims to support extremely vulnerable households in transitioning into stable economic livelihood and help disadvantaged households secure employment opportunities.
The program is geared towards contributing to poverty reduction and reducing the vulnerability of poor, marginalized, and vulnerable workers from risks. It specifically targets individuals who are self-employed with insufficient income, unpaid family workers, low-paid or seasonal workers, workers who have been displaced (including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or migrant workers), marginalized workers such as landless farmers and fishermen, women and youth, senior citizens, indigenous people, armed conflict victims, rebels returnees, and parents of child laborers.
However, the program has exclusions. Individuals who receive honorariums from the government, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), elected government officials, and government employees are not eligible for this assistance.
Qualifying beneficiaries can receive aid ranging from PHP 30,000 to PHP 1,000,000, depending on the demands of their proposed projects. Labor and Employment Officer Marcelo Jr. C. Saleo-an and the focal person of DOLE emphasized that the livelihood assistance would not be distributed as cash to the beneficiaries. Instead, they will receive support in the form of raw materials and goods that they can utilize in their respective businesses.
To ensure fair distribution, all beneficiaries’ requirements will be submitted to the Public Employment Service Office. The screening process will be carried out by PESO, which will subsequently provide the finalized list to DOLE.
This livelihood assistance from DOLE represents a crucial opportunity for individuals in the province, to enhance their economic prospects and uplift their livelihoods. By empowering vulnerable households and providing them with the necessary resources, the program aims to create a positive impact on the local community, fostering economic growth and resilience.
As the recipients of this assistance embark on their entrepreneurial journey, it is hoped that their success stories will inspire others and contribute to the overall welfare of the province. By Krizza Joy Castillo
