DOLE distributes Kabuhayan starter kits to parolees/probationers and OFWs

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351464310222/dole-distributes-kabuhayan-starter-kits-to-parolees-probationers-and-ofws
• Friday, May 27, 2016

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, 27 May (PIA) –A total of 50 parolees/probationers and 20 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 received Kabuhayan starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE-9).

DOLE’s Kabuhayan (DK) Starter Kit Project is a livelihood formation strategy that is intended to bring about improved socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal economy, in group/sectors with special concerns, and displaced wage workers both local and abroad and their families.

The project provides a livelihood starter kit consisting of package of services that will enable the target beneficiaries to start quickly a livelihood undertaking and become self-employed. It also aims to engage them in sustainable self-employment through easy to learn livelihood undertakings.

Department of Justice - Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Assistant Regional Director Alizabel “Bambi” Caoile said,“one of our mandates is to help our parolees/probationers improve their quality of life through livelihood assistance and we are so lucky because the DOLE is here to assist us.”

ARD Caoile encouraged the beneficiaries to make use of the tools and equipment given to them so that their livelihood will improve.

“This activity is an employment facilitation of our department to give chance to our people, especially the disadvantaged ones with different skills by providing them with tools, equipment and jigs to perform their daily livelihood using the starter kit,” Camilo A. Encila Jr., officer-in-charge of DOLE Zamboanga del Sur Field Office said.

“The starter kit given to them depends on the skills they possess,” Encila added.

He also urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the equipment and tools, because these are really of good help for their livelihood as self-employed workers, thus, giving them a sustainable income.

The fifty parolees/probationers were given plow, sprayer and a pair of boots for the farmers; carpentry and electrical tools for the carpenters and electricians; motorboat for the fishermen and complete kitchen utensils for those who wish to put up a ‘carenderia’ worth P7,600 each.

On the other hand, the OFWs were also given starter kits worth P10,000 each consisting of sewing machines, complete kitchen utensils and grocery items for those who wish to establish a sari-sari store as their means of livelihood.