Php1.7M livelihood aid covers PWDs, senior citizens

Thirty-three (33) persons with disabilities (PWDs), 18 parents of child laborers (PCLs) and 11 senior citizens were among the 90 beneficiaries from the municipality of Sibunag, Guimaras to avail of the Php1,743,459.00 livelihood assistance which was released on September 28, 2023 and is intended to help the beneficiaries improve their economic lives.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Regional Office 6 approved the proposals which are suited to the conditions of the PWDs, women and senior citizens.

The sari-sari store, fruit and rice vending, ready-to-wear retail projects and street food vending and bread and pastry-making provides opportunity for those who usually stay at home. Each beneficiary was provided with inputs to start their businesses.

The topographical location of the municipality is also favorable for the swine and cattle breeding and fattening, goat and native chicken raising projects as well as vegetable farming and fishing of other beneficiaries.

Different variety of crops and animals were distributed to those who wish to enhance their backyard gardens and for those who engage in breeding and fattening domesticated animals.

“We are empowering the vulnerable sector by providing them livelihood,” DOLE-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. said as he gives emphasis in helping the beneficiaries improve their quality of life.

“The livelihood projects will definitely make them productive and their income could augment the needs of their respective families,” Atty. Rodriguez added.

For the enhancement of fishing, the 14 beneficiaries to benefit from the project receives diesel motor engine, fishing nets, and accessories while those with their own motorized banca will be provided with new fishing nets to replace the old ones to increase their fish catch.

Sibunag Mayor Annabelle V. Samaniego joined the beneficiaries in receiving the projects input and commits to full cooperation and support for the success and sustainability of the project. Sibunag town is the proponent of the projects and DOLEs accredited co-partner.