Sewing Dreams into Reality: Women sector in DdO receives livelihood starter kits from DOLE

“Ang pangandoy sa mga kababaihan karon, adunay katumanan; dako kaayo ang among pasalamat sa gobyerno tungod kay dili lamang kini basta-basta nga starter kits, kondili usa ka simbolo sa paglaum ug dalan sa kalamboan,” says Reza M. Castillo, Overseas Family Community Council of Davao de Oro beneficiary.

Aside from expressing her gratitude, Castillo mentioned that the livelihood assistance they received from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) not only equips them with the resources to start their ventures but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

A total of one million pesos worth of tailoring starter kits, containing sewing machines, various fabrics, and other essential sewing materials, were distributed on January 22, 2024, at the Capitol Lobby.

DOLE Provincial Director Niel Alan R. Baban stated that the program is in collaboration with the provincial government of Davao de Oro and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which will provide the necessary skills training to the beneficiaries.

During the event, he reminded the beneficiaries, who came from the 11 municipalities, about their responsibility to sustain the assistance with the guidance of the project monitoring team. He also instructed them to submit a report to the agency regarding the project’s impact on their economic and financial needs.

In her message, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the importance of such program in creating avenues for women to become self-reliant. “We believe in the potential of every individual, and empowering the women sector of the province with the skills and resources needed for tailoring can lead to sustainable livelihoods,” Gov Gonzaga added.

“Kami sa probinsya, DOLE, TESDA, ug uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno kanunay gyud mi magpadayun nga mangita, maningkamot nga daghan pang intervention programs nga mahatag sa katawhan para makatabang sa mga katawhan sa Davao de Oro,” Gov. Gonzaga concluded.

Board Member Ruwina Gonzaga, represented by Executive Assistant Nena Atamosa, and personnel from the regional and provincial offices of DOLE and TESDA were present during the activity. (𝑅. 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑛𝑜)