Livelihood Funds. DOLE Assistant Regional Director Venerando C. Cebrano (2nd from left) hands the check amounting to P1.87 million to a personnel from LGU-Hagonoy to support the various livelihood projects for the informal sector of the town. Also in photo are (left to right) DOLE Davao del Sur livelihood focal Ariel Pepino, Technical Services Chief Allan Baban, DOLE Davao del Sur Head Henry Montilla and Internal Management Chief Angelina Talingting. (Photo by Sherwin B. Manual)

Davao City —- Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD) in Hagonoy town in Davao Del Sur will soon benefit from livelihood projects under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) Program.

The local government unit (LGU) of Hagonoy has access a total of Php 1,871,155 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Davao Region to provide livelihood and training for the informal sector in the locality.

A total of 408 beneficiaries will benefit from the funding.

The livelihood projects included Ready-to-wear (RTW) selling for the Senior Citizens, massage equipment and supplies for Persons with Disability, prescribed and non-destructive fishing gears to marginal fisherfolks, skills enhancement on food processing for non-working mothers and women, establishment of new economic project of Guihing Aplaya Motorcycles Trimotors Operators and Drivers Cooperative (GAHAMOTODCO) and Technical Skills Training for the unemployed locals.

“The proposal was granted the funding since it caters to a wide range of beneficiaries. It particularly gives importance to the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability,” DOLE Davao del Sur Provincial Head Henry O. Montilla said.

“The proposal also included empowerment of women and skills training enhancement to improve the employability of the townsfolk,” Montilla added.

“The livelihood project will not only improve the economic status of the beneficiaries but also support more government policies as the GAHAMOTODCO project will aim to eliminate the prohibited open umbrella type “tri-motors” to ensure the safety of the riding public,” stated the project feasibility of LGU – Hagonoy.

While the procurement of fishing gears also help in the protection and conservation of marine habitat and mangroves, as well as support fishery laws and coastal management programs, it added.

“Aside from the livelihood project, all the beneficiaries are covered with a one-year accident insurance package as part of our social protection program,” Montilla said.

Magie Abellana (GIP)/DOLE XI