Tanauan, Leyte -- As an accredited co-partner of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Office No. 8 in the implementation of its livelihood programs and projects, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tanauan received some P46,115.00 livelihood grant from DOLE.

Said fund was taken from DOLE's Promotion of Rural Employment through Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship Development program which is currently enrolled in the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Programs of the government.

Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., DOLE Information Officer designate informed PIA that in a simple ceremony held in Brgy. Cabuynan, Tanauan, Leytelast January 15, 2008, the check was personally turned-over by Atty. Forter Puguon, DOLE Regional Director to Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu. Said turn-over was witnessed by Vice-Mayor Agapito Pagayanan, Jr.; Brgy. Captain Ramil Vierras, who is the direct beneficiary of said livelihood assistance; officers and members of Catanley BVIGYOR Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Cabuynan led by its President Susan Miranda; and DOLE-NLFO personnel headed by Office In-Charge Nida M. Mosquisa.

Said financial support will be used to cover expenses to be incurred in the conduct of Training Cum-Production on Skill Enhancement on Fish Processing and other Value-added Fishery Products with Social Preparation and Entrepreneurship Appreciation Course, Mr. Doroja bared.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the name BVIGYOR RIC represents the different colors of the rainbow and signifies hope.

To date, with the support of the LGU, the association has already started the project through conduct of training on fish deboning and smoking. As a result of this grant, expectations have it that there will be an increase in the production and processing of value added fishery products like shrimp kropeck and shrimp chippy.

Mayor Tiu was quoted saying that "We are fortunate enough that DOLE looks into the plight of the people of Tanauan through their livelihood programs considering that not all of us can be employed in the formal sector."

On his part, Director Puguon reiterated his commitment to extend assistance to the residents of Tanauan through DOLE's strong partnership with Mayor Tiu. According to him, "We all know that not everyone can compete in wage employment. They may have the education, but they lack skills, training or experience. DOLE seeks to address non-formal workers sector by promoting self-employment through livelihood."

The Association, through its President Susan O. Miranda expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the DOLE and Mayor Tiu for all the support extended to them, and challenged its members to help realize their goal of increasing income through increase in production. (PIA-8/DOLE By Marivic Alcober)