TARLAC CITY – A total of 51 marginalized individuals from Tarlac’s sugar industry benefitted from the Php 500,000 worth of livelihood assistance given under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Recipients consisted of sugar workers, sugarcane planters, and their dependents.
“As strong partners with the sugar industry, we are providing livelihood opportunities anew for our various sugar workers, sugarcane planters, and their families, through our SAP, in line with the Department’s continuous commitment in uplifting their living conditions,” DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione said in a statement.
From the figure, Php200,000 worth of Kabuhayan Starter KITS were awarded to 29 sugar workers and sugarcane planters as start-up or to improve their businesses on mini sari-sari store, rice retailing, and assorted frozen goods-retailing.
Moreover, nine high-speed sewing machines amounting Php300,000 benefitted 22 members of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Employees’ Dependent Producers Cooperative.
“The sewing machines and raw materials will be used for the cooperative’s rag-making production and provide them additional source of income,” Dione shared.
All beneficiaries have undergone an Entrepreneurial Development Training to ensure the proper management and sustainability of their livelihood projects.
SAP was established in the sugar industry to contribute to the attainment of decent living of sugar workers and their families through various production sharing-schemes. (CLJD/CJVF-PIA 3)