Baguio City, Benguet -The Department of Labor and Employment- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) in a collaborative effort with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio City – aims to enhance the livelihood of 75-night market stall vendors by providing them with improved food table-carts.
A Memorandum of Agreement for the Implementation of Kabuhayan Program was entered into by the DOLE-CAR Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra, CESO Ill, TESDA-CAR Regional Director Balmyrson M. Valdez represented by Assistant Regional Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten, and the Baguio Night Market Vendors represented by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong of LGU Baguio City on June 13, 2023, at the DOLE-CAR 3rd Floor Conference Hall, Baguio City.
Out of the total project cost of Php 3,937,853.00, DOLE-CAR granted the financial assistance of Php 2,180,700.00 to be used for training cum production of 75 stainless reinforced collapsible food carts.
With TESDA-CAR as the accredited co-partner, their 75 scholars will apply their skills in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) NC II and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) NC II for the training cum production.
Director Lacambra underscored the importance of having convergence projects with various agencies and stakeholders towards “revitalizing the region’s economy”. He likewise emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and health of workers in all kinds and levels of industry, including those in the informal sector.
Mayor Magalong expressed his enthusiasm during the presentation of the cart’s reinforced frame design; adding how he wants to improve as soon as practicable, the tools available for Night vendor and stall owner Maribel Payuyo noted that there are instances when their food carts get damaged due to the weight, maintenance and transportation challenges, and the unpredictable Baguio weather.
She was ecstatic that the livelihood enhancement- which was more than a year in the making will finally push through because of the joint endeavor of DOLE -CAR through the Baguio Benguet Field Office, Baguio City Government, and the Public Employment Service Office – Baguio.
Aside from being sturdy and portable, the food carts will showcase a uniform and readily identifiable design, while retaining aesthetic features such as their respective stall names, products, and decors.
The MOA signing ceremony concluded with the awarding of cheques to the first batch of TESDA-CAR scholars, who will begin their training cum production of the tables within the month.
