DOLE-8 assists bakers, dressmakers in Tacloban City

By NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO
July 29, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Some fifty (50) bakers, dressmakers and entrepreneurs receive a total of P724,400.00 worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII last July 25, 2019 at Tacloban Training Center, USAID Building, this city.

Charged against the agency’s DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) funds, DOLE RO VIII downloaded the said amount to LGU-Tacloban for the implementation of three (3) approved individual and group projects namely: “Dressmaking”, “Bread & Pastry” and “Souvenirs & Giftshop”.

From the total of P724,400.00, P150,000.00 were utilized for the procurement of ten (10) units of sewing machines and P176,400.00 were spent for ten (10) ovens.

Meanwhile, the Tacloban Entrepreneurs Association Marketing Cooperative received a total of P398,000.00 worth of assistance for their proposed Souvenirs & Giftshop Project.

DOLE RO VIII Regional Director Yahya A. Centi was present to personally turn over the livelihood tools and equipment to the beneficiaries. In his message, Director Centi congratulated all the beneficiaries for their resiliency and expressed continued commitment to delivering public service in the region.

“I am now facing Taclobanons whom I know are resilient people. Let me congratulate all of you for being our beneficiaries. Today is a classical proof that we are doing our very best for you, our dear clients. As long as we are complying with the rules, we will continue our engagement with you”, said Centi.

Director Centi likewise challenged the beneficiaries to grow their respective businesses and not settle for what they have at present.

You know, it is my dream to see you in the future having your respective businesses reaching even the foreign market. And that will start by you being so dedicated to your crafts”, Centi added.

Also present to grace the simple turnover ceremony were Tacloban City Councilors Jom Bagulaya and Leo Bahin and PESO Manager, Ms. Emilia Cruz.

Honorable Leo Bahin thanked DOLE for the usual support and even recalled how the agency assisted them when he was still a barangay chairperson few years back when super typhoon Yolanda devastated the city in 2013.

“I can really testify how we are able to avail emergency employment program from the DOLE during the Yolanda. As a barangay chairman that time, I was so thankful for all those help for our constituents who were trying to cope with the challenging situation. Sincerely, I am grateful to DOLE for all the help”, Hon. Bahin said.