Ilocos Region: The weeklong ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ Labor Day celebration in the Ilocos Region generated PHP901,185 in total sales, benefiting 378 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from April 25 to May 1. The event was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and local governments. It was designed to enable farmers and MSMEs to sell directly to consumers, providing affordable goods to workers and their families while aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s food security thrust.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE reported that MSMEs across various provinces in the region saw significant earnings. In Ilocos Norte, 79 MSMEs earned PHP435,120; Ilocos Sur’s 79 exhibitors posted PHP85,388 in sales; La Union’s 67 MSMEs generated PHP66,810; and 153 exhibitors in Pangasinan earned PHP313,867. DOLE Ilocos Region director Exequiel Ronie Guzman highlighted the initiative’s success, emphasizing its reflection of the bayanihan spirit and its dual benefits for farmers and consumers.
Meanwhile, DOLE also distributed over PHP137 million worth of livelihood grants and wages to disadvantaged workers and worker groups in the region on Labor Day through programs like Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). In Ilocos Norte, 52 parents of child laborers received support for a rice retailing and agricultural supplies trading project, while 112 beneficiaries were granted individual livelihood packages.
In Ilocos Sur, women workers from the Nalvo Neighborhood Women’s Association, Inc. received funding for a Bagoong Production project. The Labbon-Liquicia Farmers’ Association in La Union obtained resources for a farm implements project, and TESDA graduates received starter kits for electrical and installation maintenance.
Certificates of Eligibility and funding for various projects were distributed to beneficiaries in La Union and Pangasinan, supporting initiatives like rolling stores, snack vending, soft broom production, and catfish production. Additionally, around 27,000 emergency workers in the region received wages through the TUPAD program after completing community work.
