By David Vera
Local entrepreneurs in Tacloban received early Christmas gifts in the form of essential tools and equipment from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program during a turnover ceremony held at Plaza Rizal on December 17.
The program benefitted various small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the city. Dressmaking graduates from the Community Livelihood and Extension Program (CLEP) were provided with high-quality sewing machines to help them start or expand their businesses. Members of the Bugasan Ha Barangay Associations from SM and Villa Diana received sacks of rice and weighing scales to support their operations. Fresh flower producers from Barangay Palanog were also among the beneficiaries, receiving farming tools and equipment to enhance their production.
Ruena Mate, head of CLEP, along with representatives from the City Cooperative Development and Livelihood Assistance Office (CCDLAO) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), shared that the beneficiaries were endorsed to DOLE through PESO as part of ongoing efforts to uplift local small businesses. Mate emphasized that the recipients will be closely monitored to evaluate the progress of their businesses following the assistance.