Six community associations in Dinagat Islands received more than PHP3.6 million in livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from July to August, strengthening poultry and egg production enterprises and benefiting 139 members.

“The six associations from Libjo, Tubajon, and Dinagat were provided with essential support to expand their poultry and egg ventures,” DOLE – Dinagat Islands said in a statement Thursday.

In July, four associations from different towns each received PHP402,429 worth of ready-to-lay chickens and feeds.

This August, two more associations were granted PHP1 million each in poultry and egg production packages.

“The associations were endorsed by the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development program,” head of the provincial labor office John Riche Tangpos said in an interview.

He added that additional livelihood releases for other associations in the province are already scheduled.

“Our office caters to associations recognized by partner agencies and duly registered with DOLE,” Tangpos said.

He explained that registered associations typically submit proposals, which undergo assessment and validation before approval.

Among the recipients this month is the Doña Helene Sewing Women’s Association (DOHSWA) in Tubajon.

“We are seeing significant impacts, especially in helping our members earn added income through this project,” DOHSWA chairperson Rocelie Estor said in the same statement.

She also thanked the government, noting that livelihood projects provide vital support to families during difficult times.

Felimon Cape, chairperson of the Justiniana Edera Livestock Growers Association in Dinagat, said their project will also contribute to the government’s food security campaign by supplying eggs to the market. (PNA)