Fisherfolks in Merida, Leyte receive DOLE livelihood aid

By NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO
January 29, 2020

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII through its West Leyte Field Office successfully turned over livelihood grants to the Barbara Fisherfolks Association of Merida, Leyte amounting to P997,450.00 last January 16, 2020 in Brgy. Calunangan, Merida, Leyte.

The Calunangan General Merchandise Project will be benefitted by some fifty-one association members who are into fishing and other related activities.

Present to grace the turnover ceremony were DOLE WLFO Head, Mr. Edgar B. Tabuyan, Mayor Rolando M. Villacencio, Vice-Mayor Rodrigo M. Wenceslao, PESO Manager Marita S. Mercadal and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Rosilito T. Ygaña.

In his message, Mr. Tabuyan gave his reminders to the beneficiaries. “I hope this project will inspire you more to work hard. Today is only the first step because our goal in DOLE is for you to have sustainable livelihood. In that way only can we really say that we have contributed in poverty alleviation”, said Mr. Tabuyan.

Mr. Godofredo B. Malinao, president of the recipient association, expressed his delight during the turnover of their new business. He said that their merchandise business is intended to augment the income they derive from fishing.

“Gusto po naming magpasalamat sa DOLE sa malaking tulong na ibinigay nila sa aming grupo. Bilang mga mangingisda, hindi po palaging maraming huling isda. Itong negosyo na pinagkaloob po sa amin ay pagsisikapan at pagtutulung-tulongan naming mapalago para sa ikabubuti rin naming mga miyembro pati na po ng amimga pamilya”, Malinao said.