100 IPs in Bukidnon get over P3.7-M livelihood from DOLE

In an effort to advance the rights and welfare of Indigenous People (IP) in Western Visayas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has distributed a total of P3,759,408.20 livelihood aid to a group of tribal folks in Bukidnon.

DOLE Region 6, Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. said the distribution of livelihood has benefited a total of 100 members of Panay Bukidnon Halawodnon Indigenous Peoples (PBHIP).

The beneficiaries were affected by the ongoing construction of dams in Calinog, Iloilo.

The National Irrigation Administration-Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (NIA-JRMP) intended to irrigate at least 17 municipalities surrounding the town of Calinod.

To compensate for the loss of property and livelihood of the IPs, DOLE collaborated with the NIA to provide an alternative project to the affected families.

Rodriguez said DOLE intends to provide livelihood assistance and uplift the economic condition of the marginalized sector.

The beneficiaries were from Barangays Agcalaga, Alibunan, Binolusan Pequeno, Cahigon, Garangan, Guinbonyugan, Masaroy and Toyungan.

DOLE also provided 86 sari-sari stores and 14 rice retailing projects that will help the residents from high transportation cost to transport their commodities.

It also distributed basic items like sugar, oil, canned goods, noodles, coffee, milk, condiments, and cleaning materials. For the rice retailing project, the beneficiaries will be provided with two varieties of rice.