BORONGAN CITY (PIA) — Farmers, fisherfolk, and small vendors in the municipalities of Hernani and San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, recently received significant support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Integrated Livelihood Program.
According to Michael Lombendencio, livelihood specialist at the DOLE Eastern Samar Field Office, a total of 87 beneficiaries in Hernani were provided with livelihood assistance worth approximately P1.9 million.
The beneficiaries included farmers, fisherfolk, fish vendors, and self-employed individuals operating small stores. Projects ranged from the provision of fishing engines for boat owners without engines to feed retailing packages for micro-entrepreneurs.
One of the recipients, Mariano Consultado of Barangay 2, Hernani, expressed his gratitude for the fishing engine he received, describing it as vital to sustaining his livelihood.
Another beneficiary, Roberto Bederio of Barangay Padang, was equally thankful after receiving eight sacks of animal feed to support his livestock business.
In San Policarpo, 265 individuals benefited from projects such as backyard hog raising, milkfish (bangus) production, and the establishment of sari-sari stores across various barangays. The total value of the assistance in San Policarpo reached P7.2 million.
Lombendencio emphasized that the initiative aims to boost the income of marginalized individuals, especially those engaged in farming, fishing, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
“Our goal is to help enhance their daily income and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities,” he said.
In total, the livelihood assistance provided under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program in both municipalities amounted to P9.1 million. (SDC/PIA Eastern Samar)
