JRMP II, DOLE 6 launch Phase IV of IP livelihood aid

The Project Management Office (PMO) of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) has renewed its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 for the fourth phase of its livelihood program aimed at helping Indigenous Peoples (IP) families affected by the infrastructure project in Calinog, Iloilo.

The partnership was formalized on Monday during DOLE Region 6’s 92nd Founding Anniversary celebration in Iloilo City, where DOLE 6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. handed over a check amounting to PHP 6,991,700.00 (USD 125,317.50) to JRMP II Regional Manager Engineer Jonel Borres.

Also present during the turnover were Steve E. Cordero, officer-in-charge of the Institutional Development Division and chief of the Watershed Management Section, and Cecilia C. Ang, technical assistant for livelihood.

The funds will support various livelihood activities benefiting 175 IP families. According to DOLE Region 6, each beneficiary will receive PHP 40,000.00 (USD 716.67) in livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Programs under Phase IV include goat production for 89 families, mallard duck production for 18 families, and muscovy duck production for 68 families.

This latest initiative builds on previous efforts. In 2023, JRMP II and DOLE 6 partnered to provide similar support to 135 IP families through projects such as broiler production (15 families), dried fish retailing (16 families), feeds retailing (3 families), mallard duck production (32 families), muscovy duck production (16 families), and native chicken production (53 families).

The PMO has consistently accessed livelihood support through DOLE Region 6 over the years, securing PHP 4.06 million (USD 72,833.33) in 2018–2019, PHP 3 million (USD 53,750.00) in 2022, PHP 4.05 million (USD 72,645.83) in 2023, and PHP 1 million (USD 17,916.67) in 2024 under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Director Rodriguez said the PHP 1 million worth of TUPAD assistance this year was an “additional incentive” granted to NIA–JRMP II as recognition for being an “outstanding implementer” of the department’s program.

In total, the PMO has accessed approximately PHP 19 million (USD 340,416.67) in livelihood assistance from DOLE 6 since 2018.

In recognition of its outstanding performance, the PMO was honored as the “Best Accredited Co-Partner in Livelihood Implementation” by the DOLE Central Office during the 2023 Kabuhayan Awards in Manila.

DOLE is among 28 government agencies that form part of the interagency convergence mechanism supporting JRMP II, which seeks to harmonize government interventions to uplift the socio-economic conditions of families and communities affected by the project.

This mechanism coordinates infrastructure, social services, and livelihood efforts to maximize the impact of public resources and mandates.

“We remain committed to building partnerships that empower our stakeholders. With DOLE 6’s continued support, we are optimistic about improving the quality of life for our IP communities,” said JRMP II’s Borres.