CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda assured the labor sector in the province of more job and livelihood opportunities through the Capitol’s labor program.
“The people of Pampanga should not lose hope. We and our private partners will find ways to help more people get jobs and livelihood opportunities,” said Pineda, who led the opening of the annual Labor Day Trade and Jobs Fair at SM City Pampanga on Wednesday as hundreds of job seekers waited patiently for its opening at the mall.
Bert Gatus, head of the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO), said some 6,000 individuals from 132 associations were the beneficiaries of some P43 million from the Capitol’s Negosyo King Panyulung Program (NKPP) which started in 2010 until March 31.
Gatus said Pineda was ready to infuse another P100 million into the NKPP but the election ban caught up with her. He said Pineda vowed to continue the program with another P100 million if she wins the upcoming elections on May 13.
Gatus said the Capitol’s NKPP has a 90 to 95 percent success since the money loaned to borrowers of P5,000 each has a zero percent interest rate payable in six months to a year.
“The only requirement to acquire a loan is for the association to have a passion to do business,” said Gatus.
Among the participants in the trade fair include NKPP loan beneficiaries who were able to enrich their businesses.
Jomar Lopez David, founder of Nutri Delight, said he is a social entrepreneur who also helped others get employment and livelihood opportunities through his business of baking natural and nutritious delicacies.
David, who showcased his products at the trade fair, said when you purchase his products you help in building livelihood programs for local farmers and provide employment.
Gloria Millari, another entrepreneur, showcased her products made of water lily which included bags and footwear.
Meanwhile, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo, SM City Pampanga manager Lana Eroba, Board Member Monz P. Laus, ABS-CBN Pampanga News Anchor Gracee Rutao, Provincial Employment Services Office head Luningning Vergara and Gatus joined the governor as guests in the opening of the event.
”With fairs like this and a bigger NKPP budget, we can drastically cut unemployment in Pampanga,” said Pineda.
Pineda also expressed gratitude to the SM officials led by Mateo for the annual simultaneous jobs and trade fair in all SM malls nationwide.
