CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – To empower eight Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and help 44 workers thrive amid economic challenges, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently awarded a P2.64 million grant under its Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE AMP).
These enterprises were Bestfriend Goodies, Heavens Bakehaus and Enterprise, Camp Z-ion Retreat and Camping Site Rental, KiNN CDO Digital Printing Service, Claritas Enterprise, Pillbox Drugstore, Don Narciso Café, and MC Food Training.
“This DOLE AMP supports small establishments, particularly micro-businesses with less than 10 workers, helping them sustain and grow their operations. By thriving, they not only preserve existing jobs but also create new employment opportunities in the long run,” said lawyer Joffrey M. Suyao, regional director of DOLE Region 10.
Meanwhile, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) distributed P13.4 million in livelihood kits to 622 beneficiaries, equipping them with essential resources to kick-start or expand their businesses.
“We are also extending assistance under our DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, or our Kabuhayan Program, to about 20 groups of workers’ associations and seven individual beneficiaries to fund their projects amounting to about P13.4 to further strengthen livelihood and employment opportunities in our communities,” the director said.
These livelihood projects cover a diverse range of businesses, including water and coffee vending machines, printing services, rice retailing (Bigasan), vulcanizing shops, rabbit farming, integrated livestock production, laundry services, meat processing, fishing and crab fattening, barbershops, beauty care services, egg retailing, and vegetable farming, among others.
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, DOLE 10 is also assisting about 11 farmer associations under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Manggagawa.
Meanwhile, DOLE 10 has started its payment for beneficiaries of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program who are farmers. Suyao said they [farmers] will be paid a daily minimum wage while they sell their produce through Kadiwa stalls in partnership with the provincial government of Misamis Oriental.
The region’s TUPAD assistance program has disbursed P62,548,510, benefiting 13,944 individuals. Officials have scheduled TUPAD payouts from January 28 to February 7, 2025, to ensure continued financial support for displaced and disadvantaged workers.
“This does not only support our local farmers but also promotes sustainable livelihood,” he said.
DOLE 10 targeted 4,900 livelihood beneficiaries for 2024 but has already supported 10,892—achieving 221 percent of its goal.
Further, DOLE 10 has released P168 million for livelihood programs in 2024, empowering communities with sustainable opportunities. (JMOR/PIA10)
