BALER, Aurora (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the 91st Infantry Battalion (91st IB),provided livelihood assistance to three people’s organizations (POs) in the province of Aurora.
The Samahan ng Magsasaka ng So Kamalatan (SAMAKA), Indigenous Peoples (IP) Association, and Nagkakaisang Samahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (NSTK) each received P300,000 worth of package under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
DOLE Aurora Livelihood Development Specialist Sherwin Pabillo said the grant aims to empower members of the POs, composed of former rebels, as they reintegrate into mainstream society.
“A total of 200 laying chickens with cages were awarded to SAMAKA and IP while 35 piglets and 21 sacks of pellets were given to NSTK,” he added.
SAMAKA Vice President Elma Narciso expressed her gratitude to the government for the opportunity and effort in assisting them.
“We are deeply thankful to DOLE and the 91st IB for this opportunity. We will do our best to grow our business and uplift our community,” she furthered.
Aside from livelihood, the government provides other aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein returnees and their families are given a wide array of benefits to help them start anew as they are reintegrated to mainstream society.
These include scholarships, financial assistance, and training. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
