CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently awarded a livelihood package to 75 members of the Alicia Farmers Association in the town of Aglipay in Quirino, which is among the communities that were identified as having been influenced by local communist armed groups. 

Jeni Soriano, DOLE Quirino information officer, said the association was formed in 2021 through the initiative of the 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion. The group also owns and manages a shop selling farm inputs.

The association received agricultural farm supplies including feeds, herbicides, insecticides, and seedlings worth almost half a million. 

In his message, Regional Director Jesus Elpidio Atal Jr. said their priorities in providing livelihood and emergency employment include those who reside in barangays influenced by communist armed conflicts, those being impacted by El Niño, and farmers who are currently suffering because of drought.

Association President Al T. Kimayong thanked the DOLE for their support, saying that it is a great help for the members suffering from financial problems. 

“In farming, we won’t make money right away so we are very thankful because we have alternative sources of income while waiting for the harvest season,” Kimmayong said.

During the awarding ceremony, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry discussed the fundamentals of simple bookkeeping with the members of the association. 

The activity was facilitated by Senior Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) Reynald Alan, LEO II Claire Joaquin, and Livelihood Development Specialist Jessa Mae Andres. (TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)