Zamboanga city: The Department of Labor and Employment in Zamboanga Peninsula (DOLE-9) has turned over more than PHP1.5 million in livelihood enhancement assistance to 48 persons with disabilities (PWD), providing them with new opportunities to earn income, support their families, and build more independent lives.
According to Philippines News Agency, the release of the livelihood enhancement assistance is part of the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week, which runs from July 17 to 23, as stated by DOLE-Zamboanga City Field Office head Wesley Tan. This year's observance of the National Disability Rights Week is anchored on the theme, 'Rights First, Legislation Forward -- Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development.'
Tan mentioned that the assistance included tools, jigs, and equipment, with Kasanyangan Nursery Seaweed Enterprise serving as a co-partner. The initiative is implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. "The project benefited 27 male and 21 female beneficiaries from various barangays in this city," Tan said.
The livelihood packages were tailored to match the beneficiaries' skills, interests, and market opportunities, covering areas such as fish and food vending, massage services, purified water retailing, seaweed production, vulcanizing, computer printing, baking, pastry production, and other small businesses.
Tan encouraged the beneficiaries to responsibly manage the assistance and to transform their livelihood packages into sustainable sources of income. He emphasized that the long-term success of these projects would depend on the beneficiaries' discipline, perseverance, and commitment to improving their respective enterprises.
He noted that the initiative aligns with DOLE's efforts to enhance the delivery of labor and employment programs at the local level and to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized sectors. Salman Abdulhari, a program recipient and resident of Barangay Ayala, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries. Abdulhari, who received assistance for a fish vending livelihood, remarked, "You have given us great hope of being able to start or grow our income and better support our families' needs."
