The Department of Labor and Employment in Zamboanga Peninsula (DOLE-9) has turned over more than PHP1.5 million in livelihood enhancement assistance to 48 persons with disabilities (PWD), providing them with new opportunities to earn income, support their families and build more independent lives.

The release of the livelihood enhancement assistance is part of the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week, which runs from July 17 to 23, DOLE-Zamboanga City Field Office head Wesley Tan said in a statement Tuesday.

This year’s observance of the National Disability Rights Week is anchored on the theme, “Rights First, Legislation Forward — Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development.”

Tan said the assistance included tools, jigs and equipment, with Kasanyangan Nursery Seaweed Enterprise serving as co-partner. It is implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

“The project benefited 27 male and 21 female beneficiaries … from various barangays in this city,” Tan said.

Their livelihood packages matched their skills, interests, and market opportunities, including fish and food vending, massage services, purified water retailing, seaweed production, vulcanizing, computer printing, baking, pastry production and other small businesses.

Tan encouraged the beneficiaries to responsibly manage the assistance and transform their livelihood packages into sustainable sources of income.

“The long-term success of these projects will depend on your discipline, perseverance and commitment to improving your respective enterprises,” he said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with DOLE’s thrust to strengthen the delivery of labor and employment programs at the local level and to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized sectors.

“You have given us great hope of being able to start or grow our income and better support our families’ needs,” program recipient Salman Abdulhari said on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Salman, a resident of Barangay Ayala, received assistance for a fish vending livelihood. (PNA)