Tuguegarao City—Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided the Tuguegarao City Vendors Association with livelihood assistance worth 1 million PHP to support the economy of the Muslim community in the city.
The aim of this assistance is to provide 51 association members with the opportunity to start their own business. The beneficiaries received equipment for the Rice Retailing business—a step to stabilize their livelihood.
According to the director of DOLE Region 2, Jesus Elpidio B. Atal Jr., the program is a testament to the government’s support for all types of communities, regardless of their culture and origin.
“Nais kong maramdaman ninyo (Muslim community) na hindi kayo iba sa amin. Kayo ay bahagi ng aming pamilya dito sa Cagayan. Suportado kayo ng gobyerno sa inyong hangaring umunlad,”he added.
Omar Usman, one of the beneficiaries, is extremely grateful.
“Napakalaking tulong sa akin ng bigasang ito. Maliban sa kita ko sa pagkukumpuni ng cellphone, may buwanang kita pa akong maaasahan mula rito. Makakabili rin ako ng bigas sa mas murang halaga para sa aming pamilya. Hindi na ako mahihirapan sa pagpapaaral ng aking anim na anak, lalo na sa nalalapit na pagtatapos ng aking anak sa kolehiyo,” by Omar Usman, a member of the association.
In an effort to promote unity despite cultural and belief differences, DOLE continues its efforts to provide income to various sectors of society.#
