About P900,000.00 in livelihood starter kits was awarded by the Department of Labor and Employment - Nueva Vizcaya Field Office (DOLE-NVFO) to 30 displaced jeepney drivers and operators affected by the PUV Modernization Program at the Aritao Terminal in the Municipality of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya on January 18, 2023.

This project is a joint undertaking of the DOLE and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) specifically for displaced jeepney drivers and operators

The starter kits are on rice retailing, vulcanizing, auto and motorcycle change oil services, baking and pastry, organic vegetable crop production and selling, carpentry/furniture shop services and auto shop servicing.

Provincial Director Elizabeth U. Martinez of the DOLE-NVFO led the awarding ceremony on behalf of Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales.

“The starter kits you received today is an example of good government convergence effort; the LTFRB/OTC and LGU Aritao identifying qualified beneficiaries and DOLE providing for starter kits,” PD Martinez said.

Hon. Cyprus Wil Cardenas, Municipal Councilor of LGU Aritao, Reyna Lyn L. Maylas, LGU Aritao PESO Manager, BASSFTC Cooperative Chairman, Reynaldo Lavaro Jr. were also present during the activity.

“Maraming salamat po sa DOLE, LTFRB and OTC sa pangkabuhayang ito na handog ninyo. Malaking tulong po ito para sa aming lahat. Sa aking mga kasamahan, mag-sipag tayo para lumago itong ating mga natanggap,” BASSFTC Cooperative Chairman, Reynaldo Lavaro Jr. said.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries also underwent a Business and Work Improvement Course (BWIC) training to aid them in the proper management of their livelihood project. The training includes lectures on Entrepreneurship, Productivity, Simple Bookkeeping and Workshop and Occupational Safety and Health. ###