DOLE supports 214 MP entreps, guides

By Juliet B. Saley

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Some 214 micro-entrepreneurs and 50 members of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association (SEGA) are set to benefit from the Livelihood Enhancement Program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

All SEGA applicants were evaluated by the DOLE and qualified as beneficiaries.

Jocelyn Culaling of DOLE provincial office said the province is given P1million for the program but said it will not be given in cash but in terms of raw materials and equipment for their livelihood projects.

Culaling said P151,680.00 of the P1 million is allotted to the 50 members of the SEGA for the acquisition of tour guiding equipment.

The remaining amount will be used to purchase equipment and materials of 214 individuals who applied in the program such as vegetable gardeners , food processors, vegetable vendors, masseurs, ambulant vendors, small coffee shop owners and those engaged in broom making, and rice wine making.

Culaling said materials/needed are hoses for watering plants, plastic drums for water storage and organic fertilizer for the farmers.

Others are crates for vegetables, weighing scales, big umbrellas for vegetable vendors; gas stoves, big pots, steamers for food processors, perculators, thermos and cups for small coffee shop owners.

Additional needs include foams, towels, bed sheets and pillows for masseurs; and also tools which are needed in broom making and rice wine making.

The DOLE signed memoranda of agreement with beneficiaries on implementation of the projects.