Negros oriental: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental has distributed PHP5.4 million in livelihood assistance to four farmer associations in Bindoy town. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of the current global crisis provoked by the Middle East conflict.

According to Philippines News Agency, Raizza Phoebe Rubia, the public information officer of the DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office, stated that the grant was awarded under the agency's DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, also known as the Kabuhayan Program. The program's objective is to support marginalized and vulnerable sectors in starting or enhancing their livelihood ventures as part of poverty-reduction efforts.

The Sitio Calatagan United Farmers' Association, consisting of 42 members, and the Capipines Nalundan Farmers Association, with 31 members, each received over PHP1.7 million to fund their corn mill and corn sheller with dehusker projects. Meanwhile, the Poblacion Tagaytay Domolog Tinagoan Irrigators Service Association Inc., which has 53 members, was granted more than PHP1.3 million for a rice mill. Additionally, the Kapunungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Pangalaycayan was allocated over PHP657,000 to establish a water refilling station.

Rubia highlighted that additional grants under the DILP will be provided to qualified beneficiaries who are part of the Kabuhayan Program throughout this year, as the agency seeks to extend assistance to these vulnerable sectors. Rubie Cempron, the DOLE-Negros Island Region focal person for the DILP, indicated that this is the first release of grants for the region this year.

An estimated PHP29 million is set aside for the DILP in the region for the current year, with Negros Oriental receiving approximately PHP8 million of the allocation.