P250-K to P1-M DOLE loans set for poor sectors

By Kristine Sibayan

BAGUIO CITY -- Displaced transport and marginalized workers in this summer capital were oriented on job opportunities they can venture in and new strategies that will enable their businesses or livelihood to thrive under the new normal wherein they could also get loans from government worth P250,000 to P1 million.
    The Sangguniang Panlungsod, through the office of Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, conducted a seminar-workshop wherein the Dept. of Labor and Employment Cordillera Administrative Region was invited to present programs for the displaced workers.
    The DOLE provides assistance to marginalized and vulnerable working sector and generate jobs for poor Filipinos.
    Clarissa Lyca Vizcarra, DOLE Tulong panghanapbuhay sa ating disadvantaged/displaced workers (TUPAD) and livelihood officer presented the DOLE livelihood integrated program.
    This program offers a start-up capital for capacity building for the livelihood of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers, either individually or by group.
    This includes livelihood projects for the following groups: micro livelihood of 15-25 workers (up to P250, 000), small livelihood of 26-50 workers (up to P500, 000) and medium livelihood of more than 50 workers can avail up to P1,000,000 of assistance from the department worth of equipment, materials and tools.
    This assistance does not require fees to be paid after the business profits.
    Vizcarra said the grant does not involve monetary assistance, but the department offers materials and equipment needed to run a business.
    The DOLE officer urged participants to be innovative especially in this pandemic.
    Pointers were likewise given on how to create an effective project proposal and/or business plan.
    This is a requirement when seeking assistance from the DOLE. Majority of those who have tried to apply for the grant did not know how to create a business proposal, she said.
    The transport groups were advised to register with the DOLE before they can submit their business proposal.
    The business proposals they made during the workshop may be adopted and submitted to the DOLE-CAR for consideration.
    For more information about the grant, visit the official website of DOLE Baguio Benguet: https://bwsc.dole.gov.ph/programs-and-projects-submenu1/dileep.html -