Farmers, coop benefit from DOLE's livelihood projects
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur Field Office rolled out the series of livelihood grant recently released, empowering local communities through sustainable economic opportunities.
The grants, provided under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), were distributed to various local government units (LGUs) and partner organizations across the province.
Empowering farmers in Cagwait
On December 11, DOLE granted P906,912 to the LGU of Cagwait as the proponent co-partner for the acquisition of farm machinery, including floating tillers and hand tractors. This initiative will directly benefit the Bacolod Rice Farmers Association (BARFA), enhancing their productivity and agricultural efficiency.
Supporting agrarian reform and small businesses in Marihatag
Also, on December 12, the LGU of Marihatag received two separate grants totaling Php1,666,274.00. These funds will support two livelihood projects:
1. Procurement of 4-Wheel Drive Tractor
with Rotavator** for the Sta. Cruz Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association
(SCARBA), aimed at modernizing their farming operations, and
2. Small-Scale Leather Craft and
Slippers Production led by the Marihatag BINA Producers Cooperative, providing
alternative livelihood options and promoting local entrepreneurship.
Bolstering trade and agriculture in Cantilan and Carrascal
Two major grants were awarded to the LGU of Cantilan and Carrascal on December 13, namely:
1. Cantilan: P795,491 to support the
"MMDC-SU Rice Trading and Agrivet Supply" project of the MMDC
Supervisory Union APSOTEU TUCP.
2. Carrascal: P301,376 for the
"egg production" project by the Bon-ot United Fishermen Association,
fostering food security and economic sustainability.
In addition, the "SRMMDC Retail Store" was turned over to the Samahan ng Responsableng Manggagawa ng Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation - ALU-TUCP, further strengthening the community's retail sector.
Sustaining growth through partnerships
All projects were implemented in collaboration with local government units as proponent co-partners, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to meet the specific needs of each community. These initiatives reflected DOLE’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, improving livelihoods, and reducing poverty in Surigao del Sur.
The livelihood grants underscored the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in uplifting local communities and advancing the province's socio-economic development. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
