Iloilo bistro gets PHP500K boost from DOLE program

The DOLE Region 6–Iloilo Field Office livelihood team and the beneficiaries pose for a photo during the awarding of livelihood inputs.

L’Art De Café, a small but growing bistro in Barangay Santiago, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, will continue brewing and serving its customers after receiving PHP500,000 in livelihood assistance under the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).

The funding was awarded during the Kalayaan Day celebration on June 12, 2025.

The AMP assistance aims to enhance the bistro’s operations, support product innovation, and build capacity for business growth and improved service delivery.

It will help the owner and supervisor upgrade facilities and ensure continued employment for staff.

To strengthen the café’s service quality and business potential, L’Art De Café will undertake renovations, including upgrades to its dining area, roofing of its treehouse, and improvements to restroom facilities for a more comfortable and inviting customer experience.

Part of the grant will go toward acquiring new equipment, including an espresso machine, coffee grinder, commercial gas oven, deep fryer, heavy-duty blender, five cast iron stoves, five electric fans, and a burger griller.

The café will also purchase essential kitchen and dining items such as plates, chafing dishes, glasses, cups, spoons, forks, and teaspoons.

To meet growing demand and enhance convenience for customers, a motorcycle for delivery services will also be acquired.

“The employees will benefit from the assistance through barista training, which will improve their skills and service quality,” said Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr.

He added that the training would help make employees more competitive and employable should they seek opportunities elsewhere.

The AMP is designed to support micro and small enterprises facing economic challenges by boosting their resilience and sustainability.

For L’Art De Café, it means creating a more enjoyable customer experience while providing stable jobs and contributing to local economic development.