The weeklong “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” Labor Day celebration in the Ilocos Region raked in PHP901,185 in total sales, benefiting 378 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from April 25 to May 1.

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and local governments, the initiative enabled farmers and MSMEs to sell directly to consumers while offering affordable goods to workers and their families.

The move is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s food security thrust.

DOLE reported that 79 MSMEs in Ilocos Norte earned PHP435,120; Ilocos Sur’s 79 exhibitors posted PHP85,388 in sales; La Union’s 67 MSMEs generated PHP66,810; and 153 exhibitors in Pangasinan earned PHP313,867.

“The success of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative truly reflects the spirit of bayanihan—when we work hand in hand, we lift each other. This partnership not only benefits our hardworking farmers and MSMEs but also provides affordable goods for our workers and their families,” said DOLE Ilocos Region director Exequiel Ronie Guzman said.

Meanwhile, DOLE distributed over PHP137 million worth of livelihood grants and wages to disadvantaged workers and worker groups in the region on Labor Day through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

In Ilocos Norte, 52 parents of child laborers were granted a total of PHP999,276 for their rice retailing and agricultural supplies trading project while 112 beneficiaries received individual livelihood packages amounting with a total worth of PHP3.28 million, DOLE stated.

In Ilocos Sur, 16 women workers from the Nalvo Neighborhood Women’s Association, Inc. received PHP293,604 for their Bagoong Production project.

Labbon-Liquicia Farmers’ Association in La Union with 34 members received PHP502,104 for their farm implements project while 10 graduates of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) received PHP299,849 for their starter kits in electrical and installation maintenance.

Two beneficiaries from La Union were awarded Certificates of Eligibility, with PHP29,895 for a rolling store project and PHP29,727 for a snack vending project.

In Western Pangasinan, 27 members of the Pangasinan Mountaineers Farmers Association, Inc., who belong to the Indigenous people community, were awarded PHP237,439 for their soft broom production project. Also, two beneficiaries in the area each received PHP23,051 for their Beauty Salon businesses.

In Eastern Pangasinan, Certificates of Eligibility were awarded to 38 members of the Cabuloan Fish Producers Association and received PHP500,000 for their ‘hito’ (catfish) production project; 21 TESDA graduates and members of the San Nicolas Bakers Association received PHP250,000 for their Bakery Project; and three beneficiaries received PHP30,000 each for enhancing their existing businesses.

Around 27,000 emergency workers across the region, under the TUPAD program, also received their wages with PHP4,680 each after completing 10 days of community work. (PNA)