The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed on Tuesday, Aug. 23, a total of over P2.7 million livelihood projects to vulnerable workers, fishermen, persons with disabilities and senior citizens in the province of Iloilo.
DOLE Region 6 Regional Director Sixto “Popoy” Rodriguez, Jr. said a total of 219 beneficiaries from the marginalized sectors have benefited from the simultaneous distribution of livelihood under the initiative of Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul "Boboy" C. Tupas.
Dubbed “When There is Light, There is Hope” project, the DOLE Region 6 distributes Enhanced Fishing Facility to 133 beneficiaries composed of mostly fishers, parents of child laborers, PWDs and senior citizens at Brgy. Tabugon, Carles., Iloilo.
The livelihood package worth P1,488,498, consists of a 30 watts solar panel, 9-plates battery, 10-amp solar controller, and accessories that will supply light when the fisher folks go out at sea.
“By utilizing renewable energy, the project helps save costs and provides sustainability for the fishing operations of the marginalized fisher folks in the island barangays,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez and Tupas also led the turn-over of P1,239, 860 check for the Gill Net Fishing Gear for Blue Crab Fishing Project of about 86 marginalized fisher folks in Brgy. Salvacion, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Rodriguez said the project aims to provide an alternative to the traditional crab pot (panggal) method that uses bait to lure blue crabs. The livelihood package consists of new fishing gear, nylon fishing net, rope, floats, and sinkers. (Jun Marcos Tadios)