DOLE’s program boosts local enterprises in Carrascal, Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace Barcena
CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision and the national government’s thrust for inclusive economic recovery and livelihood empowerment, two small enterprises in Carrascal regained momentum. They found new opportunities through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).
Implemented by DOLE Caraga through its provincial office in Surigao del Sur, the assistance supports the Marcos administration’s agenda for prosperity, promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creating sustainable local jobs to drive grassroots growth.
Among the beneficiaries is Lagwerta Celio’s Food House, owned by Carmel Cotares and her husband, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW). Their family-run restaurant received P361,040, enabling them to sustain operations and expand after experiencing financial setbacks.
“We are truly grateful to have benefited from the DOLE’s AMP, especially during the time when it was difficult for us to keep our business running. This assistance is a huge help for us to continue with our business operation and keep the employment of our people,” Cotares said.
For the Cotares family, the assistance signified more than just financial relief; it marked a new beginning that enabled them to sustain their business, stay united as a family, and open livelihood opportunities for others in their community.
Meanwhile, TechRevolve Academy for Developing Experts, Inc., led by Perry Correos, was also granted P395,000 to enhance its training facilities and broaden its skills development programs for youth and workers. As a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited training center, TechRevolve offers accessible technical courses in driving, heavy equipment operation, and other trades, empowering out-of-school youth and job seekers to secure better employment opportunities.
“We are very thankful to DOLE. With our partnership with TESDA, we can continue helping less-fortunate youth gain employable skills. Many of our trainees are now working, and we’re proud of their success,” said Correos.
DOLE Caraga Assistant Regional Director Fatima Quorayce L. Bataga led the turnover ceremony, emphasizing that the AMP seeks to strengthen local enterprises, sustain employment, and promote job generation, particularly for sectors affected by economic challenges.
Through AMP, DOLE ensures that local businesses and workers are given the means to adapt and thrive. This forms part of the shared effort under the Marcos administration to build more resilient and sustainable communities.
The Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) serves as DOLE’s strategic response to help micro and small enterprises recover, innovate, and continue generating employment. It directly contributes to the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, specifically by promoting inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and increasing economic resilience. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
