BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- With the aim of promoting the province's business, industry, and tourism, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Marinduque, provides tools and equipment for the production of by-products and butterfly farming through the Butterfly and Insect Breeders Association of Marinduque.

The livelihood assistance that the community receives with a total of ₱1,250,000 will benefit its 93 active members, who are from the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, and Torrijos.

This significant move is part of the Province-wide Reinvigoration of Economic Skills in Butterfly Industry-Livelihood and Value Addition (PRESBI-LAV) Convergence Project, to which various organizations and provincial governments are affiliated and are committed to enhancing and growing the province's butterfly industry.

“The organization continues to support and join the PRESBI-LAV Convergence Project and other activities in Marinduque, whose purpose is to provide additional livelihood programs and their long term effectiveness for the communities. Similar to butterflies, I wished for the dreams and growth of opportunities and jobs to soar, and pray for everyone’s improvement,” said DOLE-Marinduque provincial director Philip T. Alano.

Leodegario Layron, president of Butterfly and Insects Breeders Association of Marinduque expressed his gratitude as they received the materials. He further stated that he would continue to uphold the association's mission together with its members.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kasi malaking tulong po ito sa pag-aalaga namin ng bila-bila na aming ikinabubuhay. Sa katunayan po ay dalawang anak ko na ang napag-aral ko sa kolehiyo dahil dito. Kaya malaking tulong po talaga itong binigay ng DOLE sa amin,” said association member Erwin Monteclaro, who has 20 years of expertise in the butterfly sector.

[We are very thankful because this is a huge assistance and help for our butterfly farming. In fact, this program helped my children complete their college education, which is why DOLE is so helpful to us.]

Apart from the materials given, the project also aims to improve the knowledge and skills of the community and its beneficiaries in terms of producing butterflies and crafting butterfly souvenirs. (RAMJR/VMMN/PIA Mimaropa - Marinduque)

Banner photo courtesy of DOLE MIMAROPA.