MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan—Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Bulacan Gov. Wilhemino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando led the distribution of P93,865,200 livelihood-assistance checks to 5,391 marginalized Bulakenyos at the Bulacan Capitol Gym in this city.
The provincial government of Bulacan, through its Public Employment Service Office (Peso) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bulacan Field Office, facilitated the distribution of livelihood assistance.
They were joined by DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione; Technical Support and Services Division for Employment and Welfare’s Alejandro Inza Cruz; DOLE Bulacan Field Office’s May Lynn Gozun; Bureau Directors Dominique Tutay; Ma. Karina Trayvilla for Local Employment and Workers with Special Concerns; Financial Management Service Director Warren Miclat; Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado of the First District of Bulacan; Peso Provincial Manager Elizabeth Alonzo and other local officials.
The Barangay Training and Employment Coordinators from different parts of the province were in full force to lend their assistance during the distribution of livelihood assistance.
Dione said the livelihood checks distributed will be intended for various Negosyo sa Kariton (Negokart) projects and starter kits of covered beneficiaries.
“The livelihood checks are geared toward benefiting 3,941 marginalized individuals from the nine identified resettlement sites in the municipalities of Pandi, Norzagaray, Bocaue, Balagtas and City of San Jose del Monte, and 750 individuals from all over the province,” Dione said.
At least P1 million worth of Kabuhayan Starter Kits on either a start-up or enhanced grocery retailing store of grocery items were distributed to 200 individuals.
Dione said the beneficiaries who received their Negokarts and starter kits during the event have all undergone an Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT).
“The provincial Peso and Dole Bulacan Field Office facilitated the distribution of goods to our livelihood recipient and, likewise, provided them EDT to ensure the proper management and operations of their businesses,” Dione added.
The provision of livelihood assistance was sourced from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program otherwise known as “Dileep.”
Jerry Borja, the information officer of DOLE in Central Luzon, said P5 million worth of livelihood in form of dry goods and Negokarts projects were distributed during the activity.
Of the total livelihood items and goods, P2 million worth were distributed to 100 members and ambulant vendors for the “Pandesalang Bayan” and Negokarts project.
Another P2 million worth of Kabuhayan Starter Kits on beauty care, massage therapy, garments-making, carpentry and lutong ulam, among others, were distributed to some 400 individuals.
Aside from the livelihood distribution, Bello served as guest of honor in the inauguration of the Provincial Livelihood Training Center that will be managed by the Bulacan Provincial Peso.