The Department of Labor and Employment in Soccsksargen (Region 12) has awarded PHP2.7 million worth of livelihood packages to some 153 indigent beneficiaries in North Cotabato’s town of M’lang.

Ernesto Coloso, DOLE-North Cotabato supervising labor and employment officer led Tuesday’s distribution of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Kabuhayan starter kits to the beneficiaries from Barangay Poblacion.

M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado, who was with Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol during the turnover, said the local government will provide counterpart funding for “those whose livelihood starter kits will grow and improve.”

Beneficiaries’ chosen livelihood undertakings include carpentry, vulcanizing, welding, food vending (banana cue), empanada-making, halo-halo, pastel (kakanin), carenderia (eatery), bakery, cosmetology services, fried chicken, litsonero, and computer printing, among others.

Abonado said M’lang DOLE beneficiaries will be prioritized to set up livelihood booths at the town municipal grounds during the town’s Kinawayanan Festival, which coincides with its foundation anniversary, next month.

DILP seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers through the promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprise. (PNA)