The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) turned over a total of PHP9.72 million in livelihood and financial aid to three groups of recipients in Negros Occidental on Friday, May 1.
The release of assistance, led by DOLE-Negros Occidental officer-in-charge Gretchen Pasiolan and DOLE-Negros Island Region Internal Management and Services Division head Nona Grace Gamboa, was held alongside the 124th Labor Day Job Fair held at SM City Bacolod.
Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the AMIA Village Organic Farmers Association (AVOFA) of Barangay San Isidro, Pontevedra, which has 52 beneficiaries, received PHP2 million for the project “Agri-Venture on Organic Fertilizer and Rice Retailing Enterprise.”
“This initiative promotes organic farming and strengthens farmers’ livelihoods. It ensures fair market access, provides affordable and quality rice, and creates sustainable income opportunities while supporting environmentally safe farming practices,” the DOLE-Negros said in the project briefer.
Also a DILP recipient, the Tampalon Rainfed Upland Farmers Association (TRUFA) of Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, availed of PHP5.2 million in livelihood assistance.
TRUFA, as the DOLE-accredited partner, covers 55 beneficiaries for groups as well as 74 individuals.
The proposed livelihood projects include poultry egg production cum feeds supply marketing, integrated fishing, a commodity store, and rice retailing that aim to uplift the lives of farmers, vendors, persons deprived of liberty, and families of those killed in action.
“These initiatives provide sustainable income, promote self-employment, and support inclusive recovery. More than livelihood, they restore dignity, strengthen hope, and open opportunities for a better and more secure future,” the DOLE-Negros Occidental said.
Meanwhile, sugar mill workers representatives of Victorias Milling Company and Hawaiian-Philippine Company also came for the symbolic release of cash assistance amounting to PHP2.52 million.
A total of 2,252 workers from various mill districts affected by the devastation of Typhoon Tino in November 2025 have been allotted PHP1,000 each.
The distribution of cash assistance already started on April 22, the DOLE-Negros Occidental said.*
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