CITY OF MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL – The Department of Labor and Employment Region XI, through its Davao Oriental Provincial Field Office (DOFO) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of the City of Mati and Tribung Mandaya Fisherfolks Association (TMAFFA), spearheaded the awarding of P1.6 million worth of livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program on November 17, 2021.

Some 341 various informal sector workers in different barangays of the city will venture on numerous livelihood undertakings such as Food Processing, Mushroom Production, Chicken Poultry Production, Bamboo Furniture Production, Candle Making, Coco-based Products, Pasta and Pancit Making, Retailing Business, Cacao, Corn and Coffee Processing, Plant Propagation, and Beads Accessories Making. The following were formed as part of the project’s strategies to enhance community skills, abilities, and resilience through improving financial literacy and creating market-driven livelihood for the betterment and greater good of the community.

“It is the department’s endeavor to support the government’s agenda of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, likewise, the said assistance will help augment the income of vulnerable and marginalized workers through community entrepreneurship that generates equitable employment into sustainable livelihoods toward economic stability,” DOLE XI OIC-Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason Balais said. Moreover, DOLE’s Enhancement Program emphasized to empower beneficiaries to maximize the livelihood assistance endowed to them.

Also present during the turn-over ceremony were Technical Services and Support Division Chief Paul V. Cruz, Regional DILP Focal Person Sirikit H. Enoroba, DOLE-DOFO Provincial Head Rodolfo T. Castro Jr., City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, City Councilor Hon. Eric Rabat, TMAFFA President Mr. Mc Louie G. Palmera. Said awarding was held at the City Mayor’s Office.

Henceforth, the success and sustainability of the above-mentioned livelihood projects, depends on the support and cooperation of the beneficiaries. DOLE will closely monitor the implementation of the projects within a period of one year to maximize its impact.