The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 5 (Bicol) awarded livelihood kits to 21 marginalized beneficiaries in Goa, Camarines Sur earlier this week through its Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

In a statement on Wednesday, DOLE-5 Assistant Director Nepomuceno Leaño said the DILP aims to provide beneficiaries with additional sources of income, enhance their business skills, and improve the lives of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers.

“The equipment you have received is crucial for developing your businesses and supporting your daily livelihood. Most importantly, we hope that this assistance will help you earn a daily income,” he told the beneficiaries in Filipino.

Leaño said the items distributed, valued at PHP450,006, included dressmaking equipment, baking tools, peanut butter-making supplies, carpentry tools, tile-setting tools, meat processing tools, refrigeration equipment, and food vending tools.

He reminded the beneficiaries to document all their activities to qualify for the Kabuhayan Awards, which offers a chance for additional assistance.

Jiezel Gutierrez, a 42-year-old dressmaker from Barangay Salog, was thankful for the livelihood kit she received.

“As the breadwinner of the family, this support is a significant help for my sewing business, especially now that I have more materials to work with, such as uniforms,” Gutierrez said.

“Thanks to this assistance from DOLE, I will be able to sew more items, and I can also teach my mother how to sew rags so she can earn an income too.” (PNA)