CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has awarded a livelihood assistance package to tobacco farmers in Isabela province. 

A total of 25 farmers from the town of Roxas were selected to receive P20,000 each as start-up capital for their respective livelihood ventures like putting up retail “sari-sari” stores, animal feed selling, hollow block making, among others.

DOLE Regional Director Jesus Atal Jr. said the initiative aims not only to cushion the impact of the imposition of tobacco excise tax but also to help the farmers obtain alternative sources of income with long-term sustainability.

“The department has been open to fostering partnerships and creating a supportive environment to strengthen the foundation of the tobacco farming community, enabling them to withstand not only immediate economic shocks but also to emerge more resilient and diversified,” Atal said.

Roxas town is one of the municipalities of Isabela that counts tobacco as its major agricultural product, next to rice and corn.

Mayor Jonathan Jose C. Calderon said that the municipal government vowed to help tobacco farmers with up-to-date information on market trends, sustainable farming practices, and opportunities for crop diversification.

He said the provincial and municipal governments have been extending assistance to tobacco farmers to encourage them to continue planting tobacco. 

Amado Bravo, president of the Tobacco Farmers' Association, expressed his gratitude for the support given to them by DOLE.

“Dahil sa tulong pangkabuhayan po ng DOLE, alam ko pong mas mataas na ang aming kikitain (With the assistance provided by DOLE, we believe that we can now obtain a higher income),” Bravo said.

DOLE is also extending livelihood assistance to tobacco farmers who are the El Niño phenomenon in the region. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)