DOLE ensures job security for workers of Surigao Sur enterprise
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Amid ongoing economic pressures faced by micro and small enterprises nationwide, workers of a local restobar in Barobo, Surigao del Sur are expected to gain stronger job security after their employer received financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its enterprise support program designed to sustain employment and strengthen business resilience.
Employees of Kvenz Restobar in Barobo recently benefited from more stable employment following the release of ₱351,700 in financial assistance from the DOLE–Surigao del Sur under the DOLE’s Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).
The grant was awarded during the orientation on Technical and Advisory Visit (TAV) held at the Tandag City gymnasium.
The financial support will fund the upgrade of kitchen equipment to improve food-preparation efficiency, increase productivity, and sustain employment for its workforce.
This initiative is part of the national government’s strategy to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain operational despite rising operational costs and market uncertainties.
For the owners, Ignacio and Delma Serrano, the assistance fulfilled a long-standing plan to modernize their operations and expand service capacity. The upgraded equipment is expected to create a safer and more efficient work environment, allowing employees to maintain consistent service delivery even during periods of economic strain.
The owner expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the grant helped turn their long-planned improvements into reality.
“We sincerely thank the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program for their assistance. This grant helped turn our plans into reality, particularly in upgrading our kitchen paraphernalia. We applied last year, and now we have finally received the support. Thank you very much, DOLE, for this opportunity,” the owner said.
With upgraded facilities, workers are expected to benefit from improved workplace safety and more efficient operations, enabling the enterprise to maintain stable services and protect employment despite economic uncertainties.
For Kvenz Restobar, the support represents more than upgraded equipment – it means continued livelihood, improved working conditions, and renewed confidence in the stability of their jobs.
According to DOLE–Surigao del Sur Head Genebelle B. Bal, the financial assistance aims to help small enterprises remain resilient while protecting existing jobs. She emphasized that strengthening business operations is a practical response to economic disruptions, helping prevent worker displacement and supporting sustainable employment.
The DOLE’s Adjustment Measures Program is one of the department’s flagship initiatives designed to help enterprises and workers cope with economic challenges.
With the targeted financial assistance, the program promotes job preservation, improves productivity, strengthens business competitiveness, and contributes to the creation of decent and sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
As the government continues to extend assistance to MSMEs across the country, the initiative demonstrates how targeted investments help small businesses cope with economic challenges, protect jobs, stabilize local enterprises, and promote inclusive economic recovery for Filipino workers. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
