Infanta: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed on Monday livelihood packages worth over PHP2.9 million to 87 vulnerable residents of this town. DOLE Ilocos Region director Exequiel Ronie Guzman stated that the beneficiaries primarily include indigent, self-employed individuals, marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

According to Philippines News Agency, the livelihood kits comprised grocery items, livestock such as goats and swine, fertilizers, iron work materials, salon equipment, and food carts. Guzman encouraged the recipients to grow their businesses, appreciate the kits, and generate more income for their families. He assured the beneficiaries that DOLE would continue to offer support beyond the distribution to ensure sustainability.

The initiative is part of DOLE's Integrated Livelihood Program, designed to provide grant assistance for capacity-building, entrepreneurship, and livelihood ventures for marginalized, vulnerable, and displaced workers. The program's objective is to alleviate poverty by offering startup kits, training, and equipment to establish or enhance sustainable community-based enterprises.

Victor Dumasing, a 42-year-old welder, expressed gratitude towards the government for the kit he received, stating that the tools would be very helpful given his customer base. Edwardo Caballa, 58, who received goats for his livestock-raising livelihood, committed to maximizing his new source of income.

Earlier this year, DOLE also distributed livelihood kits worth nearly PHP2.5 million to residents of Infanta, Pangasinan, under the same program, on February 20.