PIA Press Release Friday, January 06, 2012 2,058 CL residents receive DOLE starter kits in 2011by Carlo Lorenzo J. DatuCITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan 6 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) handed out P6.38 million worth of Kabuhayan starter kits to a total of 2,058 residents in Central Luzon last year. DOLE regional information officer Jerry Borja bared that based on their records, Nueva Ecija had the most number of recipients in 2011 with 545 followed by Bulacan with 533, Bataan - 324, Zambales - 266, Pampanga - 185, Aurora - 105, and Tarlac - 100. Borja explained, “the Starter Kits contain tools and materials that allow beneficiaries to engage in various roving businesses such as massage, plumbing, cosmetology, appliance repair, upholstery, rag making, embutido making, hair dressing, and manicure/pedicure.” Aside from the kits, Borja added that, “recipients are likewise given trainings on entrepreneurship and business management.” Representatives from the Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) also oriented them on their respective programs and services. In an earlier statement, DOLE regional director Leopoldo De Jesus said that their mandate, “do not stop in facilitating job opportunities alone, but rather, we are opening more opportunities by empowering each Filipino worker to venture into entrepreneurship through our integrated livelihood programs to improve their lives.” (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3) |