130 rebel returnees from Dinas, Dimataling and Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur Province received Kabuhayan Starter Kits worth Php 910,350.00 thru the Department of Labor and Employment IX's (DOLE9) DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) during a simple turn-over ceremony held on September 11, 2017 at Brgy Benuatan, Dinas, ZDS.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that DILEEP is one of the labor department's flagship programs that engages marginalized individuals and groups into entrepreneurship and transforms their own livelihood project into viable and sustainable business.

In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Dinas and the 53rd Philippine Army Infantry Battalion, DOLE's Zamboanga del Sur Field Office distributed the starter kits composed of various equipment, tools and jigs for farming, welding, carpentry, cosmetology and commercial food processing to the said beneficiaries of conflict areas.

DOLE9 also awarded a livelihood assistance fund worth Php 942,350 to LGU-Dinas represented by the Municipal Administrator, Wilfredo E. Asoy, Jr. The fund will be used for the procurement of baking and welding kits benefitting 42 skilled workers. As the Accredited co-Partner (ACP), the LGU will not only purchase the necessary materials, tools and equipment but will also help the department in the monitoring of the progress and impact of the program to the lives of the beneficiaries.

"Hopefully, the beneficiaries will be able to augment their income and eventually improve their standard of living," Domingo said.

On their part, the beneficiaries thanked DOLE for the provision of start-up business kits and promised to make good use of the livelihood assistance. #

-With reports from Jorelyn P. Locsin, LEO-1, ZDSFO