LUNA, Apayao – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Apayao awarded PhP870,000 in livelihood assistance to the Macalino Indigenous Farmers Association on June 24, 2024.
The funds will be used to purchase carpentry, masonry, electrical, and welding materials, benefiting around 50 members of the association of skilled workers from Macalino, Calanasan, The municipal government of Calanasan, as the Accredited Co-Partner, received the aid to implement the livelihood program.
The ceremony was attended by Calanasan Mayor Shamir Bulut, DOLE Apayao Field Office Head Jane Y. Adalan, DOLE staff, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the beneficiaries.
Adalan urged the association to serve as a model for providing carpentry, masonry, and electrical services and offered ongoing technical assistance through the PESO office.
“You must be the model association providing carpentry, masonry and electrical services in the locality and be an encouragement to other associations and individuals” Adalan said.
“Manage well your project and we are always ready to provide technical assistance with the Calanasan municipal government through your PESO office” she added.
On the other hand, Mayor Bulut emphasized the importance of valuing the assistance and ensuring successful implementation.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the government and pledged to effectively utilize the support to carry out their livelihood projects.
In addition, DOLE-Apayao awarded PhP624,168 for livelihood projects in Kabugao, Apayao, on June 14. This included a rice mill valued at PhP210,500 for the Maragat Upland Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, a bakery shop worth PhP383,668 for the EKB Parents Organization, and a piggery project amounting to PhP30,000 for a PWD from Barangay Badduat.
These initiatives aim to provide alternative sources of income and improve the standard of living for marginalized workers, aligning with DOLE’s mission to strengthen social protection for vulnerable communities. By Krizza Joy Castillo