Iloilo city: The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) has disbursed more than PHP125.8 million in livelihood assistance to 4,800 workers in the region during the first three quarters of 2025. This initiative was executed under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the primary program of the department aimed at offering emergency employment and sustainable livelihood support to displaced workers, low-income earners, informal sector workers, and vulnerable groups.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program encompassed a variety of individual and group-based livelihood projects across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, food processing, retail, services, and other community-based enterprises. The core objective of this assistance is to promote income generation, mitigate vulnerability to economic shocks, and foster inclusive local economic growth throughout the region.
Among the notable beneficiaries in Aklan were a pi±a fabric and garments project, receiving PHP9 million, and the United Reservists Producers Cooperative in Boracay, which was awarded PHP2 million for its herbal-infused artisan bath soap making project. Additionally, a fishing boat enhancement initiative, including the provision of fishing and pump boat materials for Indigenous Peoples in Antique, was granted PHP800,000.
In Capiz, the Pinamihagan Conservation of Mangrove and Fisherfolk Association's raft oyster and mussel culture project, alongside a commodities store project for Persons with Disabilities, each received PHP500,000. Parents of child laborers in Iloilo were allocated a total of PHP8.05 million, while those in Guimaras were provided PHP1 million for diverse livelihood projects. In Negros Occidental, 18 persons deprived of liberty benefited from PHP549,892 for a rice retailing project.
Beneficiaries of the program were provided with support in the form of starter kits, tools, equipment, raw materials, and capacity-building interventions to aid in establishing or expanding their livelihood ventures. DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. emphasized that the DILP is a strategic intervention aimed at empowering workers and communities, beyond just financial assistance.
