DOLE assistance helps homegrown bakeshop improve operations, support workers
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — For Janise Ann Q. Iriberri, owner of Iriberri Bakeshop, assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) means more than new equipment – it means better products, safer working conditions, and greater potential for her small business to grow.
“The new equipment will help us achieve better product quality, improved sanitation, less manual effort, faster production, and a safer and more efficient workplace for our workers,” Iriberri said.
The assistance was provided through the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) and was among the interventions delivered at the recent Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat, at the Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. memorial gymnasium in Tandag City.
For Iriberri, the support is a valuable investment in the sustainability of their homegrown business and the welfare of its workers.
“For a small, homegrown business like Iriberri Bakeshop, this assistance is a valuable investment in our business sustainability, our workers, and our continued commitment to quality,” she said.
According to DOLE-Surigao del Sur Chief Genebelle Bal, Iriberri Bakeshop was among three establishments in Surigao del Sur that received a combined P1.09 million in AMP assistance. The program accordingly supports enterprises in improving their operations, productivity, and workplace conditions.
For Iriberri, the support shows how government assistance can reach not only individual workers and families but also small businesses that provide jobs and services within their communities.
“Thank you, DOLE, for helping us grow and move forward,” she further said.
Meanwhile, 589 Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD worker-beneficiaries in Tandag City received temporary employment, with total wages amounting to P2.79 million, providing immediate income support to workers and their families.
The job fair also generated 52 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants. Among them was Drexler Tagor of Barangay Gamut, Tago, who was hired as a bagger at Prince.
“First time nako mag-apil ug job fair ug dako gyud na opportunity para sa mga kabataan ug mga unemployed nga nangita ug trabaho” (This is my first time joining a job fair, and it is a very good opportunity for young people and unemployed individuals who are looking for work), Tagor said.
Overall, the activity generated P11.86 million in combined livelihood assistance, TUPAD wages, and AMP assistance, DOLE revealed. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur/Photo courtesy of DOLE-SDSFO)
