VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recently awarded 34 farm machineries and 26 motorized boats to farmers and fisherfolks organizations in Ilocos Sur.

DOLE Provincial Director Charity Ubilas said the assistance was funded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program which provides assistance to workers in marginalized sectors to enable them to start micro-business ventures.

“What the government has given you is free. The DOLE is not asking for anything in return, but we ask you to take good care of the equipment and use it properly to help your livelihood grow,” Ubilas said.

In his message, Gov. Jeremias Singson expressed his gratitude to the DOLE for their constant support of the provincial government’s programs and initiatives.

"With these initiatives that we have fulfilled today, our province will continue to flourish. Let us carry on with our vision of providing the best for our agriculture and our health as ONE Ilocos Sur,” Singson said. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)