Various DOLE-Assisted Livelihood Projects were showcased in the Agro-Trade Fair and Exhibit hosted by LGU-Ipil in celebration of the 66th Founding Anniversary of Ipil. Among the products exhibited were the Abaca-made handicrafts of GARBEMCO, squash noodles of IMAVEMCO, sweet tasting Pinasugbo of Sanito Women's Association, wood percussions of the Tiayon Youth Association, rice rolls and dulao powder of PSDS and the dried fish products of Riverside Women's Cooperative.

All national agencies with offices in the province were invited to showcase products of their beneficiaries and promote its programs and services to visiting clients. Each participating agency made a display booth made of indigenous materials and displayed products and goods of their beneficiaries. The trade fair and exhibit which run for two weeks was part of the tourism initiative of LGU-Ipil with the theme, "Ali nasaIpil!" promoting Sibugaynon products to visitors and local tourists of the province. The booth operations was handled by Mrs. Jocelyn V. Buen the livelihood focal and Ms. Ella Mae Manaay, a DOLE-GIP. Other DOLE-ZamboangaSibugayField Office (ZSFO) staff also shared their time in the afternoon and the evening to provide information on other DOLE program and services to clients.

The DOLE display booth earned a total sales of Php 19, 426.00 from the various livelihood products. More than the sales earned in the fair, the goal of the DOLE is to provide information to visitors and clients on how to avail the DOLE Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) by potential beneficiaries. There were at least 400 visitors who availed services or bought products from the booth. The DILEEP is one of the banner programs of the DOLE on poverty reduction by providing livelihood support for entrepreneurship or community enterprises to poor, vulnerable and marginalize workers.

In 2015, the DOLE has allocated more than 4 million pesos to the 2 districts of the province for livelihood support and emergency employment that has benefited at least 806 beneficiaries. The implementation of this program was in close coordination with the LGUs through their PESO Managers who were in charge in the social preparation of beneficiaries. The DILEEP is not only focused on income augmentation but also ensuring social protection coverage of beneficiaries in the SSS, PhilHealth and Red Cross.



Edyll Grace P. Poligrates, ZSFO