ILOILO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has awarded the livelihood program that benefited Indigenous Peoples (IP) as the construction of the Iloilo mega dam project is ongoing.
CONSTRUCTION ongoing at the Jalaur High Dam, one of the three dams being built in Calinog town, Iloilo province. (JRMP-II)
The Project Management Office for the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Stage II (JRMP-II) implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-6 was named as Best Accredited Co-Partner in its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) as part of the 2023 Kabuhayan Awards.
NIA-6 Regional Manager Jonel Borres received the award from DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez during a recent awarding ceremony in Metro Manila.
Borres said DOLE has been a valuable partner of NIA-6 in providing sustainable livelihood programs for affected families when three dams and its reservoirs were constructed in Calinog town, Iloilo province.
Early this year, DOLE allocated P3 million as livelihood program for 100 beneficiaries belonging to the Panay Bukidnon IPs.
Borres said that NIA-6, through the PMO, provided a 20 percent counterpart in the amount of P750,000 to defray logistical, manpower, and training expenses.
The beneficiaries opened ''sari-sari'' (community convenience) stores and rice retailing shops.