Transport cooperatives get DOLE livelihood aid

CEBU CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas has turned over nearly some P7.8 million worth of livelihood assistance to transport cooperatives in Cebu.

DOLE Regional Director Cyril Ticao said some P6.8 million were given to 21 workers’ associations in Cordova town and a total of P999,967 to the Carmen Drivers and Conductors Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (Cadco) in Carmen town.

Ticao said the livelihood grants will be used to procure materials and equipment needed for the groups’ business undertakings. A total of 1,197 workers in Cordova are set to venture into meat processing and marketing, fish cages restoration, tables and chairs rental, alkaline water treatment and refilling station, allseason fishing, and printing, lamination and photocopying services.

The 51 Cadco members, on the other hand, will soon be operating their own vulcanizing and general auto repair shop. The financial assistance to the workers and drivers groups is under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.

“Our regional project management team has seen the viability and feasibility of the projects,” Ticao said. “With the right management by the association leaders, as well as the sustained unity and cooperation among the members, we hope that the undertakings would reach further heights.”

The DOLE, being the implementing arm of the government in providing employment opportunities to the public, has been exerting its best effort to make sure that its programs and services have reached the rightful beneficiaries, said Ticao.