P4.6M set for Kalinga livelihood projects

By Peter A. Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Agriculture allotted P4.6 million as livelihood financial assistance to the province to help existing cooperatives increase their capital and infuse funds for organized groups.

Administrative Officer Alberto Dawaton of the Congressional District Office said the amount was inserted in the budget of the Department of Agriculture through the initiative of Rep. Manuel Agyao.

He said the Office of the Congressman is currently supporting 24 livelihood projects in the province and has released the financial assistance.

However, he said the CDO stopped assisting individuals since almost all failed to sustain their businesses so it opted to give to cooperatives and organized groups funding for better management.

“At present, we have 28 partner groups and most of them are operating well,” Dawaton said adding these are regularly monitored to ensure funds are utilized to uplift the economic status of their members.

He said 40% or P30 million of the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Agyao was allotted for economic and social services including livelihood assistance.

“The P4.6 million assistance fund will go to animal dispersal, soap and wine making, basket and fiber weaving, blacksmith and goldsmith, charcoal and broom making, pottery and food processing and other livelihood projects identified by the proponent,” Dawaton said.