ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA) - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga del Sur Field Office, in partnership with the municipal government of Sominot, released P1.9 million worth of livelihood kits to 66 beneficiaries in the informal sector.

Sominot Mayor Johnriel D. Melo expressed his gratitude to DOLE for their support and effort. 

He emphasized that beneficiaries should utilize the livelihood kits wisely for the benefit of their families, fostering development in the community. He also stated that they would monitor the progress of projects, ensuring sustainability and proper use of tools and kits.

Various high-quality tools and kits were properly selected and given to the beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of their projects, such as gardening, baking and pastries, carpentry, welding, masonry, electrical kits, dressmaking, cosmetology, car washing, rice retailing, small engine repair kits, meat processing, commercial cooking, nego-karts, and stalls.

"These livelihood kits are not just instruments for economic empowerment; they represent our belief in the potential of every skilled worker to thrive and contribute to the local economy," said DOLE-ZamboSur Provincial Head Miraflor J. Casanes.

Sominot is a fifth-class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, with an approximate population of 20,000. 

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), or Kabuhayan program, is DOLE’s contribution to the government’s agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction. It seeks to reduce the vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers by providing them access to grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood ventures, either for individual or group undertakings. (EDT/CCP/PIA9)