Residents of Misamis Occidental were given the chance to have an emergency employment for their livelihood after the P600,000 financial assistance was released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) recently.

The financial package was intended for the DoLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.

Leonardo Rodrigo, DoLE 10 Misamis Occidental chief, was elated that the livelihood project reached the mountainous areas of the province with the help of the 10th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army of Barangay Burgos, Oroquieta City.

The assistance of the Philippine Army was needed as the 33 barangays are known as communist-affected areas.

Rodrigo also disclosed they granted P300,000 to the 30 members of the Small Potongan Farmer’s Association to finance their Backyard Piggery Livelihood Project.

The P300,000 worth of aid was also given to Small Potongan Women’s Association, of which 28 beneficiaries received for their mini grocery and general merchandise.

The two associations decided to engage in income generating projects that will provide home-based businesses and employment opportunities to all members and their respective families.

For his part, Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, 10th IB commanding officer, is grateful to DoLE-10 for bringing livelihood projects to the poor and disadvantaged families in the unfortunate localities.