DOLE sets P29.3-M fund for Ilocos livelihood projs

By Freddie G. Lazaro

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte — At least P29.3 million fund was allotted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its livelihood projects this 2014 in Region 1, according to Director Grace Ursua.

Ursua said their agency will further intensify its livelihood program to achieve the goals of poverty alleviation and employment generation at the grassroots.

“Through our P29,387,000 funds for livelihood projects in Region 1 this year; more marginalized workers associations and individuals will start or enhance their entrepreneurship undertakings,” she said.

Last year, DOLE 1 disbursed P14,948,297 for 57 livelihood projects across the region, benefitting 3,586 direct beneficiaries with provincial distribution as follows: Ilocos Norte – 754; Ilocos Sur – 728; La Union – 1,155 and Pangasinan – 949.

The beneficiaries include farmers, fisherfolk, women, ambulant vendors, persons with disabilities, union members, home-based workers, parents of child laborers and bamboo workers.

Ursua said the assistance was used to either start or enhance 57 livelihood projects such as organic fertilizer production, garlic processing, bamboo craft, canteen and grocery, negosyos a kariton, starter kits, acquisition of farm implements, management of agricultural supplies, fishing banca project, duck and quail raising, goat production, turmeric processing, among others.

She said DOLE 1, local government units, non-government organizations, workers organizations and unions, people’s organizations and other government agencies follow a convergent approach to provide comprehensive livelihood services such as start-up capital in the form of equipment, tools, raw materials, trainings, marketing and social protection.

“The rural areas abound with natural resources, including local people who are willing to take part in cultivating these resources, to begin micro/small business undertakings which help spur economic progress and produce employment opportunities. What the DOLE and its partners do through livelihood is to tap these people and involve them in generating growth that will redound to their benefit,” Ursua said.

She said convergence allows the delivery of packaged services, which ensures greater sustainability of projects.

“I commend all our partners for lending their support to the DOLE livelihood program. Our partnership brings inclusive growth closer to the grassroots level,” she said.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program is one of the strategies implemented by the government to fulfill the President’s vision of achieving sustained economic growth through investing in rural enterprises that create opportunities for the poor and the marginalized sectors.

Meanwhile, tourism officials here said a 50-hectare ecological park in Nueva Era, east of Pinili town, was created as tourist attraction showcasing indigenous arts, practices and cultures of residents.

Nueva Era Mayor AldrinGarvida said Wednesday the tourist destination was called as “the Tribal Village” of Nueva Era Eco-Cultural Park, 39.8 kms southeast of Laoag City.

He said the project was a joint effort of the local government unit of Nueva Era, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Governor Imee Marcos and the office of Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos.