DOLE livelihood aid reaches Guimaras island barangay

In line with the government’s campaign for inclusive and sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote and isolated areas, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6, through its Guimaras Field Office, released PHP 2 million worth of assistance to 62 marginalized workers in Barangay Panobolon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, on May 15, 2026.

The assistance, provided under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, was part of a PHP 2.5 million livelihood project implemented in partnership with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Panobolon and the Public Employment Service Office of Nueva Valencia.

The DILP, also known as the Kabuhayan Program, provides grant assistance to help beneficiaries start, expand, upgrade, restore, or develop livelihood projects as part of DOLE’s efforts to support inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

The project aims to upgrade beneficiaries’ livelihood through motor engines, fishing gear and accessories, livestock support, and capital assistance for small retail enterprises, helping strengthen income opportunities in the island community.

The program primarily benefits fisherfolk, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

“Daku gid nga bulig ang nahatag sang DOLE nga engine, fishing gear kag iban pa nga material. Dapat ipadayon ang livelihood projects para makabulig man sa mga pumuluyo sa ila pang-adlaw-adlaw nga kinahanglan (The engines, fishing gear and other materials is a big help from DOLE. The livelihood program should continue to help the poor supply their daily needs,” said Jared M. Constantino, one of the beneficiaries.

Forty fisherfolk received fishing gear and motor engines to boost their daily catch and improve productivity.

Other beneficiaries received livestock and microenterprise support tailored to their skills and existing livelihoods, including cattle raising, hog fattening, goat and native chicken production, egg production, and sari-sari store management.

DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. said the initiative aims to promote sustainable self-employment and strengthen the economic resilience of vulnerable workers in island barangays.

Rodriguez said the projects were carefully identified for their sustainability, potential to create reliable sources of income, and capacity to help uplift the quality of life of beneficiaries and their families.

Through the assistance, DOLE reaffirmed its commitment to delivering responsive and sustainable livelihood programs to island communities.

The agency said the support aims to help vulnerable workers gain stronger opportunities, earn better income, and secure a more stable future for their families through skills development, capacity building, community-driven support, and inclusive development initiatives.