Zambales micro businesses get livelihood aid

Iba, Zambales — Thirteen micro enterprises recently received livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry here.

According to DTI Zambales Business Development Division chief Marilou Arcega, the activity is under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa as assistance by the agency to micro businesses affected by the recent calamity.

She added that manufacturers and food processors from the town of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Palauig, and Masinloc are the beneficiaries of the said program as they are the most affected by typhoon "Egay," and by a fire that broke out in this town.

Certificate of Endorsement

Arcega said the beneficiaries each have a Certificate of Endorsement from their respective local government units, ensuring that they are victims of the said calamities.

Cooking oil, sugar, flour and sari-sari store items are mong the supplies given to the beneficiaries.

The DTI official urges beneficiaries to not waste the opportunity to rebound from the problem and continue with their businesses.

She added that the economy of the community will increase, including the productivity of the micro entrepreneurs.

Fifteen farmers

Meanwhile, 15 farmers in San Narciso underwent training in Rice Wine Processing organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform.

The beneficiaries are selected officials of the H2O Irrigator's Association Incorporated.

According to DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Emmanuel Aguinaldo, the said training is under the Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development project.

The project aims to prepare the group for the application of license under the Food and Drug Administration to allow them to conduct their businesses in wine making.

He added that DAR aims to boost the support.services aimed for the beneficiaries as part of the agency's thrust to increase the quality of products while boosting the livelihood of the beneficiaries.