A total of 96 self-employed individuals from nine towns of Catanduanes received Kabuhayan starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last week under its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
DOLE Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Nepomuceno Leaño, together with officials of the DOLE Catanduanes Provincial Office and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Catanduanes, presided over the distribution of the livelihood kits at the Virac Sports Center last Feb. 27, 2025.
The beneficiaries – all of them either running their own small businesses, employed in similar establishments or working from home – were from Virac (22), Bato (11), Panganiban (11), Bagamanoc (10), San Andres (10), Gigmoto (8), Caramoran (7), Pandan (7), Viga (5), Baras (4) and San Miguel (1).
The livelihood starter kits are to be used in the following businesses: barbershop (18), hair and makeup services (17), welding shop (15), masonry work (10), vulcanizing (10), laundry services (10), automotive repair services (9), and carwash services (7).
Only 16 of the recipients were women: seven will establish laundry services, five to focus on providing hair and makeup services and three to run barbershops.
The DILP is one of the primary programs of DOLE and aims to assist marginalized groups such as self-employed individuals, unpaid family members, low-wage and seasonal workers, displaced workers, and landless farmers.
The livelihood grants allow the target beneficiaries to start, boost, or restore their livelihood or small businesses.
Under the 2024 GAA, funds amounting to P2.352 billion were allocated for the DILP.