BPSF launched in Ilocos Norte to boost farmers’ livelihood

 AGGIE UPDATES 

Leander C. Domingo

LAOAG CITY -- MORE than P149.5 million worth of agricultural machines and inputs were distributed to farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) here Sept. 23.
    The distribution was conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 1 simultaneously with the launching of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in four provinces across the country.
    The BPSF which was launched in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Camarines Sur, Leyte and Ilocos Norte aims to converge major government services and extend its services closer to the grassroots level.
    It offers more than 60 services from various government agencies with a fund of at least P1 billion to provide easier access to government services, particularly in remote areas, benefitting over 400,000 Filipinos initially.
    The launching in Region 1 was held at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City where Ilocano farmers received agricultural machines and inputs.
    According to DA Region 1, the FCAs received a four-wheel drive tractor, shredder and floating tiller, including two combine harvesters, eight power sprayers, 10 pump and engine sets, 100 kilos of vermicast, 400 sets of open pollinated varieties of vegetable seeds, 600 pieces fruit tree seedlings, 1,800 packets of assorted hybrid vegetable seeds, and 13,685 bags hybrid rice seeds.
    Fertilizer discount vouchers and the yellow corn productivity program were also made available to 9,800 beneficiaries.
    The distribution was graced by Rep. Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos 3rd, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc and Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, among others.

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Bontoc gov’t gives free-range chicks to 70 families

By Christy Mae Che-es – Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc local government gave free-range chicks to 70 families here to provide livelihood opportunities among folks.
    The Office of the Municipal Agriculturist and Municipal
    Health Office distributed the chicks to the families August 8 at the municipal capitol.
    Agricultural technologist Sheryll Tumingeb of the OMAg, said 700
free-range chicks were distributed to the 70 beneficiaries, including 33
recipients from organizations who submitted requests for the assistance and 37 parents of malnourished children identified by the Municipal Health Office.
    Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., who represented Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., said this was part of the local government’s plan to enhance health and nutrition of folks and encourage livestock rearing as income generation.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venous Faith Cofulan of MHO said

Beneficiaries were parents or guardians of malnourished children aged 0 to 59 months weighed earlier by the local government.

Cofulan added the 37 parents of malnourished children were also given five kilos of feeds each.

Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey cited long-term benefits of organic food production through methods such as free-range chicken egg production and backyard gardening. 

Falag-ey added such practices were not only cost- efficient but also contribute to health and well-being of the community.

 

 

 

 

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STEP scholars given toolkits for livelihood

LIFELINE RATE. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Kalinga avail of the government's electric consumption subsidy in this undated photo. In Baguio and Benguet, the Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office said 7,826 4Ps beneficiaries stand to benefit from the subsidy program. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)

By Kayna Casey Shalou Ubongen  and Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay 

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Fifteen Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) scholars recently received toolkits here in Barangay Alab.
    This was realized through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Mountain Province Provincial Office and the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education in collaboration with the Bontoc local government.
    Each tool kit contained a shovel, basin, spring scale, and 16-liter knapsack sprayer. 
    The turnover was led by TESDA provincial director engineer Glenn Murphy, Center administrator Proserphina Pacyado and Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr.
    Present were Martin Pasong of TESDA- Mountain Province including Alab barangay officials of Alab Proper Alex Baclangen, and John Bellang, Jr.
    Tudlong thanked the TESDA and partner stakeholders for providing recipients with tools and equipment for them to use to put into practice what they have learned and start earning. 

He urged STEP scholars to use the toolkits wisely and continue the business they started.

“I am very happy to see all of you receiving your toolkits. I hope that you will use these to uplift your lives. Now, you can start your livelihood," the mayor added. 

The STEP is one of TESDA's scholarship programs that aim to provide free equality technical vocational education and training to deserving beneficiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coffee enterprise to boost Bontoc trade, livelihood

By Christy Mae Che-es - Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province - In an exciting development for the local coffee industry in this capital town, the groundbreaking ceremony of the Aliwes Arabica coffee consolidation, processing and marketing enterprise was held here July 20 in Barangay Mainit.
    The project aims not only to develop the town’s coffee industry but also its neighboring municipalities.
It aims to increase the annual gross income of the enterprise and provide employment to locals.
    The event served as a symbolic commitment to strengthening the economic potential of the municipality and empowering coffee farmers.
     The coffee enterprise is set to have a significant impact on the local coffee industry and the livelihoods of small-scale coffee farmers, officials said.
    Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Department of Agriculture Cordillera Administrative Region Regional Executive Director Cameron Odsey expressed optimism about the positive impact of the Aliwes Arabica Coffee Enterprise on the local economy and community.
    He said this initiative was not only about improving coffee production but also empowering farmers and fostering a sense of collective prosperity.
    Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., extended his appreciation to the DA-CAR for its support to the municipality.
“    Today, we embark on a journey that harnesses the abundance of our natural resources, particularly the exceptional Arabica coffee that flourishes in our highlands. With this project, we aim to establish Aliwes Arabica Coffee Enterprise as a regional hub for coffee production, processing, and marketing, bringing recognition to our municipality's name far beyond our borders” he added.
    Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., urged beneficiaries to develop the coffee industry.
    He added the event was a symbol of the community's resilience and determination to grow, innovate, and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.
    Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey who represented Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., said the event was a testament and result of the unity and cooperation of government agencies in implementing programs towards community development.
    In her message, Coffee Enterprise manager of Aliwes Irrigation Association Rosalina Malafo said the project would provide them with better market access, fair prices for their produce, and improved living conditions for recipients and their families.

 

 

 

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Benguet board allots P10-M for livelihood

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The provincial board has passed a resolution that seeks to allot P10 million annually for livelihood and skills development training and grant of equipment to organizations in the province.
    Under Ordinance 2023-312 principally authored by senior board member Marie Rose "Betbet" Fongwan, the implementation of the programs shall apply to all organizations or associations duly registered with the appropriate regulating agency. The cost of the grant to be given to each association or organization shall not exceed P200,000.
    The main purpose of the ordinance is to promote sustained management operations and livelihood opportunities for residents. Fongwan said that the special services office under the provincial governor's office will implement the ordinance.
    However, interested organizations and associations wanting to avail of the benefits and privileges of the ordinance must be accredited by the provincial board. Organizations and associations interested to avail of the programs shall present to the special services office a letter of intent and project proposal duly endorsed by the concerned barangay (village) council or the barangay chairman to the provincial governor.
    The ordinance created a screening and project monitoring committee which will be under the honorary chairmanship of the provincial governor with the vice governor serving as the vice chairman. The committee members are the chairman of the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Livelihood; the chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives and Civil Society Organizations; and the Local Economic Development and Investment promotions officer, who will designate the Cooperative Development specialist. Additional members will be appointed by the chairman, if necessary.
    The committee will create a technical working group to assist in the evaluation of proposals and shall make recommendations on the project's viability.
    Fongwan said that the grant of equipment to the qualified beneficiary organizations or associations shall be covered by a memorandum of agreement, stating the stipulations, duties, and responsibilities voluntarily agreed upon by the parties.
    Moreover, there shall be a provision in the agreement that six months of non-use of the equipment to be reckoned from the official turnover of the same shall be a valid or justifiable ground for the retrieval of the equipment by the provincial government after the lapse of five days from notice without prejudice to the discretion or option of the province to transfer the retrieved equipment to another requesting organization or association after compliance with the prescribed requirements.
    Fongwan said the livelihood training program which includes among others, financial capability, literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and basic management skills (collaboration or solidarity), problem-solving, and project management, significantly resolves or contributes to the success or sustained growth and function of the organization or association which will redound to the benefits of its members, and the community.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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Bontoc self-employed; folks with low pay aided

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Ten individuals were beneficiaries of the Dept. of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or Kabuhayan program.
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., Senior Employment Labor Officer Marshall Pachingel of DOLE  provincial office and Employment Officer Jenelyn Caluza of the Bontoc local government led turnover of Kabuhayan kits to recipients on May 22 at the municipal capitol. 
    Among approved livelihood project proposals were food processing, food vending, hog raising, and sari-sari store.
    Tudlong expressed his gratitude to the DOLE for continuously assisting various organizations, self-employed, seasonal workers, and minimum wage earners in Bontoc and capacitating them to generate income. 
    The mayor urged recipients to manage their livelihood projects wisely for these to prosper.
    He added failure and success of their livelihood projects depended on how they will manage it.
    He advised them to capacitate themselves through trainings for these to be sustained. 
    He said the Bontoc LGU will strengthen its collaboration and linkages to partner agencies for more livelihood opportunities. 
    Caluza said as counterpart, the Bontoc LGU shall conduct monitoring of implementation of the project. Also, it provided technical assistance during the preparation of the project proposals. 

Meanwhile, the Bontoc LGU is processing project proposals of fire victims of the April 11 fire incident here to avail of the Kabuhayan Program. 

The Kabuhayan Program is a grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood to enable the unemployed, seasonal, and minimum wage earners to start livelihood undertakings or income-generating projects (IGPs) and enable existing IGPs to grow into viable and sustainable businesses that provide income.

It is implemented through DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) which is responsible for the delivery of services to the beneficiaries.

Bontoc LGU, as an ACP of DOLE received the financial grant allotted for recipients and shall be responsible for procurement and delivery of equipment, materials, products, tools, and other needs of the beneficiaries for their respective livelihood projects.

 

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Jobless, Bontoc PWDs trained for livelihood

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twenty Persons with Disability (PWDs) and self-employed individuals underwent free massage training March 20-24 at municipal capitol so they could earn despite their condition.
    The training involved lectures and demonstrations from physical therapist Irish Farnican-Astudillo and applied what they learned. 
    Participants were also provided supplies including alcohol, massage oil, facemasks, and towels from Technical Education Skills and Development Authority Mountain Province. 
    Engineer Glenn Murphy, Tesda provincial director said the training aimed to capacitate participants with the necessary skills that would qualify them for work. 
    Executive Assistant Jocelyn Culalling who represented Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., said the training was part of government’s commitment to bring services to the community.
    Municipal Administrator Arthur Leonard Odsey represented Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr.
    He thanked partner agencies for the training and providing essential skills to vulnerable sector of the community and self-employed individuals.
    He added the training will open self-employment opportunities to participants.
     The 5-day training was realized with through collaborative efforts of the Tesda Mountain Province, provincial and Bontoc local governments through the Municipal Disability Affairs Office and the Office of the Community Employment Training coordinator.
 

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Bontoc organization to receive ₱1.1M- project

By Christy Mae Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Chinakhop Farmers and Irrigators Organization, based here in Barangay Tocucan is set to receive a ₱1.1 million worth of agricultural assistance funded from the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through the Dept. of Agriculture - Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR).
    This was announced by Administrative Officer IV Ross Kiat-ong of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) who is also the Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Transformation (SIPAT) point person of the Bontoc local government.
    The assistance is under the OPAPP and DA’s SIPAT project which aims to invest in human capital through livelihood opportunities and community-based projects in conflict-affected or vulnerable communities.
    The agriculture-based products to be turned over include the following: Dekalb chickens, layer feeds, grower feeds, breeder feeds, lactating feeds, and nets.
    Kiat-ong added that the Bontoc LGU has allotted ₱80,000 as its counterpart.
    The said fund will be used for development trainings to include organizational management with values formation and culture change, animal health management and brown egg production.
    The organization will shoulder cost of poultry housing/chicken coops.
 

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4 ex-NPAs get funds in Tabuk for livelihood

TABUK CITY -- Four former members of the communist New People’s Army  received livelihood settlement grants from the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Kalinga here on Nov. 29 as part of government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),
    The ceremony was held here at the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Bulanao graced by the Kalinga Gov. James Edduba.
    A regional police information office report said present were Lt. Col. Jeffrey Vicente, Kalinga chief of the police Provincial Community Affairs Division and  Thyrza Shoey Dogui-is of Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Kalinga. During the program, the rebel returnees received P20,000 worth of livelihood settlement grants to implement their proposed hog raising, rice and vegetable retailing projects.
    The E-CLIP is a government program that caters to communist rebels who return to the folds of the law by providing them with packages of assistance to help them to reintegrate into the community. 
 

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Tesda allots P30-M for quake-struck Abra folks

By Kaithreen Cruz

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has allocated P30 million worth of training scholarships in construction-related courses for residents in areas affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra on July 27, 2022.

    Training scholarship programs to be offered by Tesda include carpentry, masonry and plumbing.

    "These trainings are vital for the residents of earthquake-stricken areas. They will be able to build their own houses as well as use the skills they acquire to find jobs and earn a living," Tesda chief Danilo Cruz said over the weekend.

    Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and the National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila) have started mobilizing trainers to help with repair and rehabilitation of damaged houses and conduct construction-related training in the affected areas.

    According to the agency, coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) is ongoing to provide allowances to trainees undergoing scholarship courses, throughDoLE's Tupad program.

    The Tesda field office in the Cordillera Administrative Region has donated P146,400 cash, groceries, and used clothes to survivors and deployed augmentation teams to assist in clearing operations in Abra and neighboring Ifugao province, which was also affected by the earthquake.

    Cruz assured that Tesda is ready to add more funding for implementation of the scholarship programs as part of the government's collective action to support the rehabilitation of the quake-hit areas and ensure the wellbeing of the affected residents.

 

 

 

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Displaced NV workers get P18-M Tupad

By Leander C. Domingo

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya -- More than 4,000 workers in this province under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) have received their wages in a series of payouts in the amount of over P18 million.
    Rep. Maria Luisa Lloren Cuaresma of the Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya said this is only a part of the Tupad program in the province and that there will be more to be distributed to the local workers who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Cuaresma expressed thanks to the Dept. of Labor and Employment for its continued Tupad program in the province that has benefited Nueva Vizcaya workers who have been affected by the health crisis.
    She said a series of Tupad payouts were conducted in the municipalities of Ambaguio, Bayombong, Bagabag, Bambang, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Kayapa, Aritao, Santa Fe, Quezon and Villaverde.
    Cuaresma urged both government officials and beneficiaries to report any irregularity that they may have observed so that these benefits go to the right persons qualified under the Tupad program.
    She also advised the Tupad workers to use the money they received out of their hard work and use it for their respective families or for business start-ups.
    "We have heard some Tupad workers used their wages for 'tong-its' (a form of gambling) and some use their payout to buy liquor instead of using it for the needs of the family or for school materials for their children," Cuaresma said.
    She explained that the Tupad workers are those who rendered 15-day work through community service such as clean-up and disinfection activities in public facilities and receive a wage of P5,550.

Cuaresma said their work included beautification of tourist spots in their respective towns and villages.

"We believe that the Tupad program will somehow make an impact on the lives of displaced workers in the province due to the harsh effects of the Covid-19 pandemic," the congresswoman said, praising DoLE for its continued support to Novo Vizcayanos.

"We are hoping that the Tupad program for the disadvantaged and displaced workers will continue to be implemented in the province in order to help them recover from the effects of the health crisis," Cuaresma added.

DoLE officials revealed more than P18 million worth of salaries for the Tupad beneficiaries have been distributed in the province in a series of payouts since the program started.

Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Lloren Cuaresma 3rd said he was able to get support from the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support party-list for the Tupad workers in the province.

He also said this is also being implemented by the DoLE for those who render 10-day work and will receive P3,750.

 

 

 

 

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11 ex-NPAs given P20,000 each by gov’t

STARTING A NEW LIFE Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla (center) lauds the former members of the New People’s Army who gave up the arms struggle against the government. Padilla led the granting of financial aid to the rebel returnees during a simple ceremony on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Eleven former members of the New People's Army in the province received financial assistance from various government agencies on Tuesday, July 19.
    Gov. Carlos Padilla said each of the rebel returnees received P20,000 from the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the agency's Livelihood Settlement Grant program.
    Padilla said the cash aid can be used by the former rebels to start a small feasible business.
    Also present during the ceremony were DSWD Region 2 director Cezario Joel Espejo and officials from the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Army and provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya.
    "There are 93 former rebels in Isabela and 13 in Quirino province who will also be given financial assistance this week from the DSWD Livelihood Settlement Grant program," Espejo said.
    Padilla cited the former rebels who availed of the national government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
    "They deserve to avail the assistance from the government because of their desire to live peacefully with their families," he said.
    "The former rebels made the right decision to return to the government because what they are fighting for is no longer valid," Padilla added.
    Padilla said the national and local government programs and projects are in full swing to improve the lives of the people, especially those living in remote and isolated areas.
    He added that the communist ideology and the things that they are fighting for are no longer meaningful because the government continues to provide solutions to the needs of the people in the various communities of the province.
    Padilla said the government is now focusing on the many issues the communists are pointing out under the End Local Communist Armed Conflict advocacy.
    "Under this advocacy, all government agencies are helping to end the problem of poverty that the New People's Army is exploiting to deceive people to join them in their ranks," Padilla said.
 

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DOLE gives P30-K each rebels who surrendered

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Dept. of Labor and Employment Cordillera gave P30,000 worth of livelihood assistance here July 12 each to four former rebels who returned to civilian life.
    DOLE regional director Nathaniel V Lacambra, CESO III led the awarding and distribution of livelihood assistance with Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Ronald O. Lee.
    Present also during the ceremony were members of the PROCOR Command Group Deputy Regional Director for Administration Brig. Gen. John C. Chua, Deputy Regional Director for Operations Col. Benjamin DL Sembrano and Chief Regional Staff Col. Elmer E. Ragay.
    The former rebels will use the money for vulcanizing shop business, motorcycle parts and accessories shop, milk tea shop and feeds selling business.
    “Nanay Doms”, a former member of Militia ng Bayan received assorted ingredients, materials, and machinery for her milk tea shop.
    “Yoji” former team leader of Platoon Galis of the Chadli Molintas Command under KLG AMPIS received basic tools and machinery for his vulcanizing shop.
    “Joey” of team Uno of the KLG Montes received assorted swine feeds for his feeds selling business. 
    “Alex of Bandila, NPA sa Bario received assorted motorcycle parts, accessories, fluids, and tools for his motorcycle parts and accessories shop. 

 

 

 

 

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DOLE gives P1.3-M for group, low wage earners

BONTOC Mayor Jerome “ Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., receives from DOLE Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra P 1, 265,693.30 check for livelihood projects of an organization and 10 individuals July 7 at the mayor’s office. Present are former Bontoc Mayor now Mountain Province Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, DOLE regional consultant Samuel Lasdacan, Senior Labor Employment Officer lawyer Marina Cayabo, DOLE Mountain Province head Apollo Luspian, Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Labor Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza and other personnel from the DOLE- CAR. --  Jovi L. Lopez 

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – One organization and 10 individuals in this municipality are beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or Kabuhayan Program. 
    DOLE Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra awarded the check amounting to P 1, 265,693.30 to Bontoc Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., on July 7, 2022, at the Mayor’s Office of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol. 
    Mayor Tudlong expressed his gratitude to the DOLE for continuously assisting various organizations, self-employed and minimum wage earners in Bontoc and capacitating them to generate income. With this, the mayor challenged the recipients to manage their livelihood projects wisely for it to prosper. 
    Former Bontoc Mayor and now Mountain Province Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, who was invited to witness the awarding of the check, congratulated the recipients for the approval of their respective project proposals. He added that the failure and success of their livelihood projects depend on how they will manage it, thus, he advised them to capacitate themselves through various trainings for it to be sustained. 
    Under the DOLE Group Livelihood Project, the beneficiary is the Silver Craft Designer Association comprising 50 members with a project on Gong Production and Blacksmith. Meanwhile, the 10 individuals have their respective projects on Sari-Sari Stores, Hog Raising, Longganisa Making, Chili Pepper Processing, Food Vending, and Enhancement of Eatery. 
    Labor and Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza mentioned that as its counterpart, the Bontoc LGU has earmarked from its budget an amount for the conduct of capability and skills trainings to the beneficiaries and shall conduct monitoring on the implementation of the project. Also, it provided technical assistance during the preparation of the project proposals. 
    The Kabuhayan Program is grant assistance for capacity building on livelihood to enable the unemployed, seasonal and minimum wage earners to start livelihood undertakings or income-generating projects (IGPs) and enable existing IGPs to grow into viable and sustainable businesses that provide income.
    It is implemented through DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) which is responsible for the delivery of services to the beneficiaries. Thus, the Bontoc LGU as an ACP of DOLE received the financial grant allotted to the recipients and shall be responsible for the procurement and delivery of equipment, materials, products, tools, and other needs of the beneficiaries for their respective livelihood projects.  
    Also present during awarding of the check are DOLE Regional Consultant Samuel Lasdacan, Senior Labor Employment Officer Atty. Marina Cayabo, DOLE Mountain Province Head Apollo Luspian, Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Labor Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza, and other personnel from the DOLE- CAR.

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DOLE gives P1.5-M for projects of Bontoc folks

Bontoc Mayor Jerome “ Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., receives from DOLE Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra the check amounting to P 1, 265,693.30 intended to assisted the livelihood projects of an organization and 10 individuals on July 7, 2022, at the Mayor’s Office of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol. Also present to witness the awarding of check are former Bontoc Mayor and now Mountain Province Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, DOLE Regional Consultant Samuel Lasdacan, Senior Labor Employment Officer Atty. Marina Cayabo, DOLE Mountain Province Head Apollo Luspian, Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Labor Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza, and other personnel from the DOLE- CAR. // Photo by Jovi T. Lopez 

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- One organization and 10 individuals in this municipality were beneficiaries of the Dept. of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or Kabuhayan Program. 
    DOLE regional director Nathaniel Lacambra awarded the check amounting to P 1,265,693.30 to Bontoc Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., on July 7 at the Mayor’s Office of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol. 
    The amount will be used for projects of beneficiaries.
    Tudlong expressed his gratitude to the DOLE for continuously assisting various organizations, self-employed and minimum wage earners in Bontoc and capacitating them to generate income. 
    The mayor urged recipients to manage their livelihood projects wisely for it to prosper. 
    Former Bontoc Mayor and now Mountain Province Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, who was invited to witness the awarding of the check, congratulated recipients for approval of their respective project proposals.
    He added the failure and success of their livelihood projects depend on how they manage it.
    He urged them to attend trainings for projects to be sustained.
    Under the DOLE Group Livelihood Project, the beneficiary is the Silver Craft Designer Association comprising 50 members with a project on gong production and blacksmith.
    Meanwhile, the 10 individuals have their respective projects which include sari-sari stores, hog raising, longganisa making, chili pepper processing, food vending and enhancement of eateries.
    Labor and Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza said as its counterpart, the Bontoc local government allotted from its budget an amount for trainings for beneficiaries and shall conduct monitoring on the implementation of the project.
    It also provided technical assistance during preparation of project proposals. 
    The Kabuhayan Program is grant assistance for capacity building on livelihood to enable the unemployed, seasonal and minimum wage earners to start livelihood undertakings or income-generating projects (IGPs) and enable existing IGPs to grow into viable and sustainable businesses that provide income.
    It is implemented through DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) which is responsible for the delivery of services to the beneficiaries.
    Thus, the Bontoc LGU as an ACP of DOLE received the financial grant allotted to the recipients and shall be responsible for the procurement and delivery of equipment, materials, products, tools, and other needs of the beneficiaries for their respective livelihood projects.  
    Also present during awarding of the check were DOLE regional consultant Samuel Lasdacan, senior labor employment officer lawyer Marina Cayabo, DOLE Mountain Province head Apollo Luspian, Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Labor Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza and DOLE- CAR personnel.
 

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7.5K TESDA scholarship slots for 2022 still available

By Liza Agoot 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Cordillera on Wednesday urged the public to avail of the agency's scholarship programs, as 7,497 slots out of 10,263 are still available.
    "We ask our residents to take advantage of the scholarships. Napakarami nating slots for a scholarship, mag avail sila kasi sayang ang opportunity (they take the opportunity and avail of the many slots for scholarship)," said Jimmicio Daoaten, assistant regional director of TESDA-Cordillera and the Benguet provincial director of the government's technical-vocational skills provider, on the sidelines of the inauguration and oath-taking of Benguet officials.
    The TESDA-CAR has a 2022 scholarship budget of P164,544,125, only 27 percent of which have been utilized.
Daoaten said TESDA offers scholarships for different short-term trade skills and a diploma program pathway to a Baccalaureate degree.
    Scholars can avail the training for work program (TWSP), special training employment program (STEP), private education student fund assistance (PESFA), rice extension services program (RESP), "Tsuper Iskolar," Tulong trabaho scholarship program (TTSP)
    The official added that aside from free education that covers the laboratory supplies, a scholar also gets insurance coverage for at least one year, a daily stipend of P160, an internet allowance, book allowance, and a tool kit that can be used to start up a livelihood activity.
    Due to the pandemic, an allowance for personal protective equipment is also provided to a scholar.
    He added that the grantee also gets a free competency assessment fee for the national certification that is recognized internationally. -- PNA

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Tesda offers free vocational trainings in Benguet towns

By Ferlyn Eslao

KAPANGAN, Benguet – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is offering free vocational trainings and many trainees have gone on to start and manage successful businesses.
    In this town, despite the pandemic, students of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under its bread and pastry production and driving national certificate NC2 programs finished their training here and are set for assessment.
    According to Jaime Calatan, information officer, TESDA Kapangan is offering six registered programs.
    These include Carpentry NC2, Masonry NC1 and NC2, BPP NC2, Driving NC2, Contract Tracing Level 1, and Organic Agriculture Practice (OAP).
    Students are trained for 39 days for carpentry, 27 days for masonry NC1, 33 days for masonry NC2, 18 days for BBP, 15 days for driving and contract tracing, and 29 days for OAP.
    “As of now, Masonry NC1 and NC2 will follow. Enrollment is ongoing wherein there are 15 slots allotted for it,” he added.
    Calatan said anyone can enroll in TESDA programs as long as he or she is 18 years old and a high school graduate.
    The student undergoes three stages of assessment. First, a written exam, followed by an oral interview and practical or actual demo. 
    TESDA helped a lot of people, Calatan said.
    For example, Mitchel Capulo, one of TESDA graduates, said she was grateful for the opportunity. “Man-iyaman ak iman tan ado di naadal ko ay skills et nay maiap-apply ko sin business ko. Nay kaasi na et ado eman di order et nay makaganganansya ak eman."
    Through the training, she was able to build her own booming business which is the The Kayo Man Café located at Cayapes, Kapangan.
    In addition to the said programs, there is an ongoing construction of a TESDA Provincial Training Center for Benguet here which started on Feb. 11, 2021 which will cater the 13 municipalities of Benguet.
    On the other hand, TESDA is continuously offering various programs in different areas in the province.
    Itogon is reportedly offering motorcade repair and maintenance, masonry and driving NC2.
In Bakun, there are BBP and community-based training as well as organic agriculture production NC2 and cosmic farm in La Trinidad.
    "As for the other municipalities, the local government unit can coordinate with TESDA so that they can go and provide training for them or they can come to Kapangan to enroll," Calatan added.
    There are many available courses that anyone can choose.
    Calatan said students who are interested can visit and inquire to their office at Lomon, Paykek Kapangan Mondays to Fridays.

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Pangasinan delicacy Phl;s 3rd best livelihood business

WINNER. The Department of Labor and Employment congratulates Perfect Caballero Jr. for his family's patotoy-making business, which won as the third best livelihood project in the country. Caballero's family earns more or less PHP30,000 a month from their native delicacy-making business. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-Ilocos Region)

 Small town venture getting bigger 

By Hilda Austria 

INFANTA, Pangasinan – A patotoy (native delicacy) making venture of a family in this town was awarded as the third-best Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-assisted livelihood project in the country.

    The native delicacy known for its sweetness is made of glutinous rice as the outer coating and yema or ube as its filling.

    Perfect Caballero Jr., the head of the family, said they started selling patotoy to their neighbors in 2017 and it soon became popular in the town.

    “It was just a snack prepared by my sister-in-law, Jenyfer Barretto during one of her visits to our home.

    She also taught my wife, Sheryl, and her other two sisters, how to make the snack. They used to make yema,” he said.

    Caballero said their neighbors who became regular consumers of their patotoy spread the word about the product to other people.

    In 2020, Caballero’s family along with other micro, small and medium enterprises received P20,000 worth of equipment and materials each from DOLE through the Integrated Livelihood Program for their native delicacy-making business.

    He said they now sell their products even to neighboring towns and cities of Pangasinan and Zambales.

    Caballero used to be a fisherman but has shifted his livelihood to patotoy-making along with his wife and children.

    “I also earn through pedicab driving and now we have this business that is very helpful to us,” he said.

    They sell their patotoy from P60 per tub to P700 for a large bilao size.

    Caballero added they now earn more or less P30,000 a month, which is enough for their needs and a little savings.

    The family plans to renovate a portion of their house with the prize money they received from DOLE.

    The livelihood of the Caballero family was among the 17 contingent projects under the individual category in the 2022 DOLE Kabuhayan Awards held at New Coast Hotel in Malate, Manila on May 27. -- PNA

 

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Former North Luzon rebels get P23 million

By Jerry M. Hernandez

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac -- Former rebels in Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera received P23 million worth of immediate and livelihood assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
    Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief, disclosed that 1,156 rebels have surrendered in Northern Luzon since January 2018, including regular members of New People's Army and Milisyang Bayan.
    He said the AFP completed 10 halfway houses in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Burgos, Pangasinan; Ilagan City, Isabela; Lallo, Cagayan; Cabaruguis, Quirino; Lagangilang, Abra; Kiangan, Ifugao; Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Tabuk City, Kalinga.
    Another halfway house in Luna, Apayao, is undergoing construction and is already 85 percent complete.
    These halfway houses provide temporary shelter to former rebels and their families while processing their enrollment to E-Clip, which would serve as a venue for livelihood training and psycho-socio debriefing prior to their reintegration to mainstream society.
    "This indicates the government's sincerity in addressing the people who have been deceived by the communist terrorist group (CTG)," Torres said during a meeting with Defense Undersecretary and Task Force Balik-Loob chairperson Reynaldo Mapagu.
    Meanwhile, 195 projects under the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (Tikas) were programmed for Nolcom from 2019 to 2022.
    A total of 89 of these projects were already completed while 66 are currently being constructed and 40 are yet to start construction.
    Tikas is a convergence program of the Department of National Defense and Department of Public Works and Highways that aims to repair and rehabilitate military bases, barracks, roads, and other facilities that support the AFP Modernization Program.
    Mapagu urged the troops to continue with their mission in raising awareness to encourage remaining members of the CTGs to surrender and return to government fold, noting Nolcom's notable accomplishments in this direction.

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DOST sets P1.26- M to boost Baguio woodcarving trade

WOODCARVING -- Young people in Ifugao join a woodcarving competition during the Imbayah Festival in Banaue, Ifugao in 2019. In Baguio, the city government has tied up with the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera and handicraft makers for a PHP1.2-million industry development project that would benefit handicraft shops. – PIA photo

BAGUIO CITY – The city government is entering into a memorandum of agreement with the Dept. of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region and woodcarving cooperatives to improve the industry.
    City council information officer Jordan Habbiling on Tuesday said city hall is working out the upgrading of the woodcarving industry through science, technology, and innovation.
    He said the city council has authorized the city’s executive to enter into a MOA for the project that will be funded by the DOST-CAR worth P1.26 million.
    Habbiling said the project will be carried out in two phases and will be completed in 2023.
    The DOST provides financial assistance for Science and Technology interventions, in coordination with other government agencies and with local government units in various sectors to improve initiatives that will lead to better income for the beneficiaries.
    Among the cooperatives that will benefit from the project include Mondiguing’s Woodcraft and Souvenir Shop, Melba’s Souvenir Shop, Jetjed Handicraft, Tayaban Furniture, and Chrisdens Handicraft and Furniture Shop, all registered cooperatives located along Asin Road, Baguio City.
    Woodcarving is among the oldest industries that gave prominence to the city and the region. – Liza Agoot/ PNA

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