The provincial government has launched the Abig (heal) Pangasinan livelihood project to improve the socio-economic condition in the province amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement on Monday, Governor Amado Espino III said the livelihood project is divided into two components―Kabuhayan Palengke Karaban, and the Karagdagang Pangkabuhayan (Cash for Work).

“Kabuhayan Palengke Karaban is an all-year activity to uplift the income of Pangasinense farmers, fisherfolks, and animal farm growers. The provincial government will buy products offered by small vendors, such as vegetables, meat, and others. All sold commodities from this program will be brought to the 14 provincial government-run hospitals to be served as meals for patients,” Espino said.

The Karagdagang Pangkabuhayan aims to provide additional financial capacity to different sectors by working in a community project that would benefit the public, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) with cash incentives of PHP400 each, he added.

“Aside from PWDs, the Abig Pangasinan Project will also target different sectors such as women, solo-parents, child development workers, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) communities, and out-of-school youths,” he said.

The Pangasinan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has allotted PHP2.7 million for the project that will be used from July to December 2020.

The project was earlier held in Mangatarem town on July 24, and in Laoac town on July 25.

It is scheduled to be conducted in San Fabian town on July 30 and 31. (PNA)