The Department of Labor and Employment in Zamboanga City conducted the Capability Building on Basic Business Management and Values Formation for 184 families affected during the Zamboanga Siege last February 10-11 and February 17-18, held at Alavar's Seafood and Restaurant.

Held in coordination with the Zamboanga City local government unit's Public Employment Service Office, the trainings were in pursuit of rehabilitation efforts for the what is referred to as Convergence Zone 3,(CZ3) the numeral 3 representing Talon-Talon, Sta Catalina and Rio Hondo barangays. The DOLE's role is in the provision of livelihood services as well as rural workers registration aimed to speed up the affected families' financial recovery.

After the siege in 2013, the DOLE processed and assisted 100 internally displaced persons who were provided with Kabuhayan Starter Kits while it also assisted 59 members of Badjau Mat Weavers Assn. For the tepoh (mat) weaving project. The total amount released was P4.16 Million as a continuing commitment. The DOLE entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Zamboanga LGU to empower the indigenous peoples and informal sector with livelihood formation strategies.

DOLE works in convergence with other stakeholders such as Asia Foundation through the Integrated Resource development for Tri-People (IRDT) and Silsilah Dialogue Movement in concerted efforts to expedite the complete rehabilitation process.

JOSEPHINA A CRUDO