A total of P180,000.00 worth of livelihood assistance was awarded to six (6) beneficiaries of Batch 1 Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2P) Program on July 6 and 7, 2021 in the province Davao del Norte.

DOLE-Davao del Norte Field Office (DNFO) turned over the checks amounting to P30,000.00 per beneficiary for their chosen livelihood such as welding shop, bigasan and sari-sari store, fruit stand, and buy and sell of lubi, copras, and uling. Said assistance is part of DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program and Kabuhayan Starter Kits (Livelihood Formation) Program.

DOLE XI OIC-Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized the importance of enabling the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable workers belonging to the informal economies, especially during this challenging time, by providing them the necessary assistance to start individual or group livelihood projects and help them grow into sustainable businesses.

The turnover of livelihood assistance was attended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI and the Local Government Units of Sto. Tomas, Panabo City, Asuncion, and Tagum City. The BP2P was launched to encourage the informal settlers to return to their home provinces and assist them with support and incentives on transportation, livelihood, and housing among others. The program also aims to decongest Metro Manila especially at this time of pandemic.