DOLE strengthens livelihood of Sohoton boat operators with P5.9-M fiberglass vessels
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) turned over ₱5.9 million worth of fiberglass boats to 74 tourist boat operators in Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.
This crucial upgrade provided safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport services, boosting local incomes while strengthening the island’s thriving ecotourism industry.
Boat operators served the key destinations of Sohoton Cove’s renowned lagoons, limestone formations, caves, and the world-famous stingless jellyfish sanctuary in Bucas Grande Island.
This initiative is part of DOLE’s continuing livelihood program under the leadership of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to build sustainable income opportunities and support local industries that drive economic growth and for national- building.
The new fiberglass boats will replace the traditional plywood vessels historically used by operators in Sohoton Cove. For his part, Tatay Islao said “Dako gyud ang among pasalamat sa atong President pinaagi sa DOLE sa paghatag kanamo niining bag-o ug de-kalidad nga fiberglass boat. Lahi ra gyud ang kalig-on niini kon itandi sa naandan namong kahoy nga baroto. Mas luwas na kami sa lawod mas makadaginot kami krudo, ug mas masiguro namo ang panginabuhi para sa among mga pamilya. Kining maong tabang dili lang kay pang-karon, kondili giya sa mas hayag nga ugma alang kanamong mga mangingisda.”
Key features of fibreglass boats include being highly durable and able to withstand prolonged seawater exposure, minimal maintenance, significantly extended service life, and enhanced safety and highly reliable transport for tourists.
The assistance was formally turned over by DOLE – Surigao del Norte Provincial Head May C. Velonta and Dapa Satellite Office Head Luzvifeno Miguel A. Cab and was received by the Municipal Mayor Riza Rafonselle T. Timcang and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Dante Dizon.
Meanwhile, the turnover ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 395 community-based trainees under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) TRAIN LOKAL program.
Among the graduates were beneficiaries of DOLE’s program on TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), marking another significant accomplishment of the agency in strengthening the employment and livelihood sector of society as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This joint milestone highlighted the government’s integrated approach to community development—seamlessly blending emergency employment, skills training, and long-term livelihood support to build economic resilience in tourism-dependent communities. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)