The event, led by San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez and graced by Senator JV Ejercito, taught Muslim traders in the metro on how to further expand their businesses. Meanwhile, last Jan. 14, the Department of Science and Technology turned over a new welding area with shielded metal arc welding training equipment as part of the city’s livelihood programs. And just like any other city, San Juan also offers TESDA courses and skills training such as caregiving, hairdressing, baking, and electronics for its residents. PAMPANGA One of the most notable livelihood programs in Pampanga is the financial assistance provided by the Social Action Center of Pampanga Inc. (SACOP), which gives financial assistance for the rehabilitation of crops farmers and the establishment of community-based livelihood projects for women. With the graduation of the assisted community organizations, the program extended micro-finance assistance to
A total of 25 lucky recipients received livelihood assistance, intended to uplift the town’s poor residents, and were sourced from the labor agency’s DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program otherwise known as “DILEEP.” CAGAYAN More than 1,300 individuals working in informal sectors region-wide also benefitted from DOLE’s DILEEP. The program seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, marginalized workers either through emergency employment, and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprise. At least P26.2 million funds have been earmarked for the implementation of DILEEP and to enhance the existing livelihood programs of some local entrepreneurs in the region. Of the P26.2 million, P7.86 million will be allocated for the province of Cagayan, P10.48 million for Isabela and P2.62 million each for the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Batanes. Families are shown during the Awarding of the Transfer of Certificate of Titles for the SACOP-Assisted Resettlement and Housing Communities. Photo courtesy of sacop.ph
enterprising individuals and groups through the provision of working capital for business expansion, purchase of equipment and supplies and support in the expansion of business reach. They also conduct training and workshops for the enhancement of management and financial capabilities. Adding to SACOP’s programs, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also led the distribution of livelihood assistance through the Lourdes Tuason De Arroyo Foundation to the indigent residents of the second district of Pampanga. Arroyo’s Sustainable Livelihood Program includes all towns in the district—Guagua, Lubao, Porac, Floridablanca, Sasmuan, and Sta. Rita. The Department of Labor and Employment regional office in San Fernando, Pampanga introduced a program to give help to pedicab drivers through its “Padyak Project”.
LAGUNA The town of Calamba in Laguna has a close of partnership with government agencies and community partners. Calamba aims to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship through its Calamba Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Department. Calambeños have access to a different kinds of assistance in terms of education, training, and cooperatives. Another booming municipality in Laguna is the city of Santa Rosa, which has the Self-Employment Assistance Program, under the City Social Welfare and Development Office. With this program, qualified Rosenians are provided with financial assistance to start a small business. Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slums or SDG-FACES is a national program adopted by the City to address issues
Department of Labor and Employment regional office in San Fernando Pampanga introduced pedicab drivers to its “Padyak Project” for sustainable income.
such as poverty. The program provides beneficiaries/mothers the opportunity to take the lead in achieving several goals, combating economic, social and environmental challenges within the community. This is through pieces of train-
ing, seminars and livelihood projects that can help improve the quality of their life and secure their children’s future. As the economy continues to face challenges, local government units are doing their share to cushion its impact
by providing our countrymen the assistance they need. As an old Chinese proverb says: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.