By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, has provided livelihood assistance to 233 ambulant vendors and small business owners through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
Of the beneficiaries, 133 received Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart) units, while 100 others were granted support for sari-sari store projects.
The initiative, which primarily benefits vendors in the informal sector, aims to create sustainable income opportunities, with 171 of the recipients being women.
Each NegoKart unit was funded at PHP30,000, and recipients also completed food handling training to ensure proper food safety and quality.
DOLE Iloilo head Joselito De La Banda praised the project for empowering small entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting sustainable livelihood programs.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the city government’s dedication to inclusive economic development, highlighting the importance of supporting small business owners.
Velma Jane Lao, head of the Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, expressed gratitude to DOLE for funding the initiative and hopes for its continued implementation.
