The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office here on Monday awarded livelihood assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the furniture manufacturing industries in this province. The move is under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), one of the agency’s flagship programs that provides assistance and capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurial endeavors to vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized workers. In partnership with the provincial government of Pampanga, the DOLE-Provincial Office turned over some PHP260,000 worth of tools and equipment needed for furniture making at the provincial capitol compound here. DOLE-Pampanga provincial director Arlene Tolentino said the program beneficiaries were 50 members of the Samahan ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino ng Concepcion (SAMAPICON) who are engaged in furniture making. Tolentino congratulated the group for being selected as eligible recipients of the DILP in the province as she encouraged them to strive through the opportunity given to them. ‘The DOLE and provincial government of Pampanga worked together to equip you with the necessary tools and equipment needed for your livelihood. Now, it’s your turn to enhance and sustain your livelihood to ensure your success as furniture makers,’ she said during the distribution activity. The recipients of the livelihood kits thanked the DOLE for the program, which they said gave them the opportunity to improve their livelihood. ‘Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa binigay na tulong ng DOLE . Malaking tulong ito (We are very grateful for the assistance extended by the DOLE. This is a great help to us),’ one of the beneficiaries of the program said.
Source: Philippines News Agency