VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) -- Three government agencies collaborated to provide livelihood assistance to informal sector workers in this island province.

“These packages of assistance not only serve as an investment in livelihood but also as a catalyst for community organization and improvement," said Catanduanes Provincial Officer Eduardo Lovedoria of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE along with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) distributed a slew of livelihood grants to low-income vendors, farmers and skilled workers.

A total of 225 vendors have each received a Nego-Kart (short for “negosyo sa kariton”) from the DOLE.

On the other hand, the TESDA provided tool kits worth P1 million to its graduates.

Twenty-three graduates in bread and pastry production had each received an electric oven and an electric mixer with attachments.

Meanwhile, 20 graduates in the tile setting had each received an angle grinder, spirit level bar, pull-push rule, manual tile cutter, and rubber mallet.

TESDA Provincial Director Archangel Rodriguez said that the provision of tool kits and skills training was part of a TESDA program that addresses specific skills needs, promoting employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.

For its part, the DA distributed farm tools and fertilizers worth P544,200 to high-value crop producers. 

Rafael Magallanes, the DA program coordinator for Catanduanes, said the farm assistance, which was provided to help promote the production, processing and marketing of high-value crops, included 120 sets of garden tools, 13 knapsacks; 100 pieces of laminated sacks, 60 liters of foliar fertilizers, and 750 kilograms of zinc sulfate.

Reached for comment, ambulant vendor Elsa Advincula from Barangay Banawang in the town of Bato said: “Sa ibinigay na Nego-Kart ng DOLE mas magkakaroon kami ng stable na income, dahil nabigyan pa kami ng magandang lugar ng  pamahalaang bayan ng Bato kaya po nagpapasalamat po ako.”

(With the Nego-Kart provided by DOLE, we will have a more stable income, because the town government of Bato gave us a good place, so I am grateful.) 

The distribution of resources, which was led by Catanduanes Rep. Eulogio Rodriguez, took place during the legislator’s “Ulat sa Distrito” event last March 15, where he reported on the current state of the lone district of Catanduanes and unveiled his legislative agenda for the coming year.

Last month, the Department of Agriculture distributed 200 piglets worth P1.7 million to hog raisers in 11 towns of Catanduanes affected by the African Swine Fever. (PIA 5/Catanduanes)