Dinapigue, Isabela -  In its bid to augment the income of vulnerable and disadvantaged workers, the Department of Labor and Employment–Isabela Field Office (DOLE-IFO) recently led the awarding of P400,000 worth of group livelihood projects consisting of motor spare parts and vulcanizing equipment to thirty (30) beneficiaries from this municipality.

Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales said in a statement that the awarding is in line with the regional office’s plan to target vulnerable workers needing livelihood assistance, especially in Geographically-Isolated and Displaced Areas (GIDA) where government services are hard to come by.

"We had 2,359 livelihood beneficiaries in the region last year, with 752 of those coming from Isabela. The region plans to meet, and if possible, exceed the figures posted last year in order to help vulnerable workers have livelihood opportunities that can help not just our beneficiaries but their families and loved ones as well," RD Gonzales said.

Assistant Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr. meanwhile reiterated the importance of identifying livelihood opportunities commensurate to the existing opportunities in their areas.

"There is a need to ensure that the livelihood projects given to our beneficiaries are sustainable and that they have a market that will sustain their livelihood. This two points were met by this awarding," ARD Atal, Jr. said.

The turn-over was personally witnessed by Ms. Lea Entela, DILP Regional Focal Person, Mr. Danstan Bautista, DILP Focal Person for Isabela Field Office and livelihood coordinators from the field office.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the said project, who are members of the Craft Alliance of Local Planters based in Digumased, Dinapigue, Isabela expressed their gratitude mentioning that the said livelihood project will help them uplift their socio-economic status and be more productive in their own little way. ###