TACLOBAN CITY- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-8) released P11.25 million to various organizations based in St. Bernard in Southern Leyte whose members were displaced during the November 8,2013 supertyphoon “Yolanda.: The P11, 253,291 livelihood assistance program of the DOLE is under the Yolanda Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program (YRRP). The funding was released on January 19 benefiting 969 displaced skilled and semi-skilled workers in the informal sector.
The beneficiaries were the Exotic-St. Bernard diversified livelihood projects worth P 1, 152,161 to benefit 107 Mamanua workers; diversified livelihood projects of Abante Magatas worth,P1, 140, 000 to benefit 95 workers; diversified livelihood projects of Brgy. Hinabian worth P 996, 000 with 83 workers; SulongSug-angon, P 708, 180 to benefit 59 displaced workers; Tulong Pangkabuhayan Para sa Brgy. Hindag-an worth P 1, 256, 950 to benefit 125 workers; Kalambuansa Brgy. San Isidro, P 1, 440, 000.00 with 120 workers; diversified livelihood projects of Brgy. Atuyan, P 960, 000 (with 80 workers); diversified livelihood projects of Brgy. Ma. Asuncion worth P 1, 260, 000 to benefit 105 workers; diversified livelihood projects of Brgy. Lipanto worth P 996, 000 to benefit 83 workers and the diversified livelihood projects of Brgy. Mahayahay worth P 1, 344, 000 to benefit 112 workers.
The turn-over and released of grants were spearheaded by Regional Director Elias A. Cayanong, Assistant Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman, and Southern Leyte field office head Fe Norma Valuis. According to Joylito Corbeta, PESO manager of the town, the beneficiaries were eagerly waiting for the turn-over and release of livelihood grants.
Meanwhile, Mayor Napoleon Lim Cuaton expressed his heartfelt thanks to DOLE and pledges continued partnership with the department.
“These livelihood funds are concrete proof that the government is making great strides to achieve inclusive-growth. The Department of Labor and Employment’s livelihood program aims to target the poorest people in the country, give them opportunities to improve their lives, be able to meet their basic needs, and break free from the cycle of poverty. We understand that this isn’t a silver bullet that will magically pull everyone out of extreme poverty but it’s an important part of putting very poor people on that pathway,” said Director Cayanong. (PR)
