Quezon City 5th District Councilor Alfred Vargas beamed with pride as he shared the success of his office’s innovative livelihood program, which has helped over 4,500 residents in his district.

The program focuses on three key areas: 1) Organizing regular job fairs where residents can find employment; 2) Providing capital to budding entrepreneurs; and 3) Offering vocational training and skills development.

According to Vargas, over 1,000 residents have found employment through the job fairs, while over 2,500 were given capital to start small businesses.

With the support of TESDA, the “Asenso Vocational” module was introduced to residents, equipping them with skills in meat processing, soap making, perfume production, and dishwashing liquid production.

Through this training, residents were given the opportunity to start their own online businesses and were also taught how to market their products using social media platforms like Facebook.

“This all started by talking to the people, listening to their needs, especially the livelihood sector. Now, it’s come full circle. The positive change it brings to people’s lives is beautiful and truly inspiring. Nakakatulong sa kani-kaniyang mga pamilya ang mga mismong natulungan natin magkaroon ng kabuhayan. (Those we have helped to earn a living are helping their own families)," Vargas said.

Many program beneficiaries have achieved remarkable success. One former scrap collector who used to push a cart now owns a junk shop.

Another success story is a chicharon vendor who can now send his children to school. A seamstress who received a sewing machine now supplies uniforms and towels to companies.

Another beneficiary now sells perfumes online, earning an extra P500 to P700 monthly.

It may seem small, but it makes a big difference to an individual, according to Vargas.

“That extra income helps pay electricity and water bills or buy diapers and milk. It may not be too much for some, but it has a big positive impact on families,” he added.

The program has also greatly benefited stay-at-home mothers who are now actively running their businesses.

“They’re proud to create something of their own, like perfumes, and sell it. It’s not just income; they can follow their passion and provide comfort for their households at the same time,” the councilor added.

With support from TESDA and DOLE, the program has empowered individuals, particularly the urban poor and persons with disabilities, to start small but sustainable businesses or find stable employment.

Councilor Vargas emphasized that his office provides long-term support to the beneficiaries through a mentorship system in partnership with his brother, Congressman PM Vargas.

“Hindi lang kami nagbibigay ng startup capital at pagkatapos ay pababayaan na. Nagbuo tayo ng mentor-student system kung saan sinusubaybayan ang kanilang progreso, at tinutulungan silang malampasan ang mga hamon. Dahil sa ganitong approach, ang mga simpleng simula ay naging matatag na kabuhayan. (We don’t just provide startup capital and then leave them alone. We have developed a mentor-student system where their progress is monitored, and they are helped to overcome challenges. Because of this approach, simple beginnings have become stable livelihoods)," Vargas explained.

The growing number of beneficiaries reflects Vargas’ dedication to improving the lives of Quezon City residents.

“Kahit maliit na dagdag kita, malaki ang epekto sa mga pamilya. Makikita mo sa kanilang mata ang kaluwagan na kanilang natatamasa, ang pag-asa na kanilang nakikita. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit ito ay isa sa mga programang tunay naming ipinagmamalaki. (Even if it’s a small additional income, the impact on families is huge. You can see in their eyes the relief they enjoy, the hope they see. That’s why this is one of the programs we’re truly proud of)," Vargas explained further.

As a congressman (2013–2022), Vargas championed the Tulong Trabaho Act (Republic Act No. 11230), which was signed into law in 2019.