Jimeneznon informal sector workers honored in Labor Day celebration

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, through its Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (MisOcc PFO), conducted a series of activities in line with the celebration of Labor Day for the informal sector workers, May 31, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Jimenez, here.

Vice Mayor Rosario Balais formally opened the event as she conveyed her heartfelt thanks to DOLE through MisOcc PFO for the department's unwavering support for the people of Jimenez.

"DOLE constantly extends its support when the municipality needs support, especially in terms of assisting with livelihood and emergency employment," Mayor Balais noted.

DOLE MisOcc Provincial Director Ebba B. Acosta, in her message, likewise expressed gratitude for all the support attested by the particular celebration, which aims to acknowledge the social and economic contributions of the workers in the Region.

Meanwhile, Mayor Joselito Chiong also expressed his deep gratitude to DOLE and committed to continuing its proactive support and livelihood assistance.

The celebration focused on Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT), which Lawyer Gladys Myr Espiga-Atienza, LEO III, discussed with various associations and beneficiaries. The training program gives the participants some insights on financial trends and ideas for entrepreneurial endeavors. It also offers business information and skills for entrepreneurial plans.

Moreover, a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) payout worth P105,300 was conducted, benefiting 26 Palilan beneficiaries.

Another highlight of the celebration was the turnover of livelihood projects that were given to three associations: the Subanen Lanyard Making of Carmen Lumad Subanen Association received a total amount of P440,500; the Mini Grocery Store of Jimenez Federated Women's Association received P250,000; and the Jimenez Caring Community received a total amount of P250,000.

During the event, 20 beneficiaries received the first batch of Hog-Fattening livelihood starter kits worth P600,000.

A Business Trade Fair was also held, showcasing different products from various DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) projects, such as the Sibaroc Women's Association's Dishwashing Liquid and Fabric Conditioner, the Jimenez Lemonsito Growers Association's Lemonsito Concentrated Juice, and the Carmen Lumad Subanen Association's Subanen Lanyard Making.

Community-based skills training on tocino and fruit jam making given to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) conducted by TESDA also highlights the celebration by giving them knowledge in food processing and presentations for their future business ventures.

Through DOLE's different livelihood programs, this provides improved economic well-being and increased community participation for each recipient. (DOLE-10 MisOcc/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)