DOLE expands livelihood opportunities to tourism industry’s informal workers

When the COVID 19 restrictions were lifted, the tourism industry, as well as the employment and livelihood opportunities, in Northern Iloilo particularly in the Municipality of Carles are gaining back their form.

The situation looks promising but the impact of the pandemic to the tourism industry motivated the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to enhance and expand the existing livelihood of the workers.

Regional Director, Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr., underscored the importance of an alternative livelihood to workers in the tourism industry referring to the request of the Carles Sea-Land Transport Cooperative (CASELATCO) for the provision of fishing bancas.

The cooperative is an active partner of the Local Government Unit of Carles in the promotion and implementation of tourism projects, coastal marine protection program and suppression of illegal use of fishing methods.

“The fishing bancas will provide the members with livelihood even during off-season of the tourists. Engaging them into fishing also encourages them to be more vigilant and responsible stewards of their environment to promote sustainable livelihood,” Atty. Rodriguez said.

Fifty-two (52) members of CASELATCO were more than grateful upon receipt of the twenty-five (25) fishing bancas worth One million Two hundred forty-one thousand Five hundred sixty-eight pesos (Php1,241,568.00) in a the turn over ceremony facilitated by DOLE RO6-Iloilo Field Office at Brgy. Cagay, Carles.

Atty. Raul Betita, Chairman of CASELATCO and currently the Sangguniang Bayan Chair of the Committee on Tourism said that through the fishing boats, the beneficiaries can now have an alternative source of income during the lean months of tourism.

“We acknowledged the roles of the fishermen in providing food security through fishing,” said Ms. Amalia N. Judicpa, OIC Head of DOLE RO6-IFO. She added that each beneficiary is responsible to take care of the project provided by DOLE. “It should be utilized not only on fishing but also for taking care of the sea,” she said.

CASELATCO Manager Cyril Cobarobias pledged that the Cooperative will take care of the project because it will be the source of their income especially during the lean months of tourism and during the implementation of closed season of fishing in Carles.