Bacolod: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) turned over a total of PHP9.72 million in livelihood and financial aid to three groups of recipients in Negros Occidental on Friday. The release of assistance, led by DOLE-Negros Occidental officer-in-charge Gretchen Pasiolan and DOLE-Negros Island Region Internal Management and Services Division head Nona Grace Gamboa, was held alongside the 124th Labor Day Job Fair held at SM City Bacolod.

According to Philippines News Agency, under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the AMIA Village Organic Farmers Association (AVOFA) of Barangay San Isidro, Pontevedra, which has 52 beneficiaries, received PHP2 million for the project "Agri-Venture on Organic Fertilizer and Rice Retailing Enterprise." This initiative supports organic farming and aims to provide sustainable income opportunities while promoting environmentally safe farming practices.

Also a DILP recipient, the Tampalon Rainfed Upland Farmers Association (TRUFA) of Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, availed of PHP5.2 million in livelihood assistance. TRUFA covers 55 beneficiaries for groups as well as 74 individuals, with proposed livelihood projects including poultry egg production, integrated fishing, and rice retailing.

Meanwhile, sugar mill workers representatives of Victorias Milling Company and Hawaiian-Philippine Company came for the symbolic release of cash assistance amounting to PHP2.52 million. A total of 2,252 workers from various mill districts affected by Typhoon Tino in November 2025 have been allotted PHP1,000 each, with distribution having started on April 22.