Six entrepreneurs and six business groups have been recognized as outstanding beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program.

DoLE secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma handed the Kabuhayan Awards to the six individuals and entities that have successfully managed DoLE-assisted livelihood projects during a ceremony in Paranaque City last 14 November.

Renier B. Mag-abo from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte was adjudged the champion and received a cash prize of P50,000 for his engraving and lapida-making business.

Melfo O. Bitor from Sogod, Southern Leyte placed first runner-up and received P40,000 prize for her street food vending business while Dolores G. Casem from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya was second runner-up and took home P30,000  for her healthy foods processing venture.

In the group category, the Tayak Agri-Fishery Producers Association from Abulug, Cagayan received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P100,000 for their venture into mushroom production.

The Del Pilar Makugihon Fishing Association from Socorro, Surigao Del Norte placed first runner-up for their general merchandise project and won P80,000.

Second runner-up REHOBOTH Agriculture Cooperative won P60,000 for their venture into chocolate processing.

Laguesma noted that DOLE has simplified, shortened and reduced the processes and documents required to obtain assistance under DILP and its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers Program or TUPAD through Department Order 239 issued in June.

He added that the agency expanded the scope and benefits of the program.

Under the DILP, beneficiaries are given working capital in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and common service facilities.

Beneficiaries are also provided with personal protective equipment and micro-insurance, seminars on basic occupational safety and health and emergency first-aid, and various training on productivity and entrepreneurship to ensure the sustainability of their livelihood undertakings.