NAVAL,Biliran – Some 187 small-time fishermen from the different barangays of Kawayan, Biliran received livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last January 15, 2019 held at its municipal ground.
With the approval of the project proposal entitled “Provision of Motorboat Engines and fishing paraphernalia in support to Small Fishermen and Provision of Sewing Machines to Women’s Livelihood” amounting to a total of P1,553,943.00, each fisherman received either a motorboat engine or fishing gears.
In his message during the simple turnover ceremony, DOLE RO8 OIC-Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Cecilio I. Baleña, congratulated all the beneficiaries and reminded them to become responsible in the use of the equipment and materials.
Also, he thanked the LGU of Kawayan thru the leadership of Mayor Rodolfo J. Espina, Jr. for being an active partner of DOLE in the implementation of its livelihood program in the province of Biliran.
“We at DOLE are grateful for our partners in the local government in bringing our programs and services closer to the clients. I’d like to thank Mayor Rodolfo Espina Jr. for being so active and passionate in helping the people of this municipality”, said Atty. Baleña.
Mayor Espina in response appreciated DOLE for its generosity in terms of providing assistance to his constituents in the municipality. He likewise recognized the DOLE Biliran Field Office (BFO) for being so facilitative on their project proposal which resulted to 187 delighted fishermen.
“My heartfelt thanks to DOLE for the usual support given to us. This really matters to all of us especially to our beneficiaries and I for myself commits to take part in monitoring them to ensure the success of the project. Let me extend also my profound appreciation to the staff of BFO for being responsive and facilitative to all our requests,” said Espina.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were Engr. Ma. Alita P. Chavez and Ms. Imelda M. Codilan of DOLE-BFO, Vice-Mayor Rizalinda Ampong, PESO Manager Edna M. del Rosario, municipal councilors and project beneficiaries including the women beneficiaries of the sewing machines.
(NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO/PR)
