Cong. Edgar Chatto (third from left) leads the turnover of livelihood starter kits to small business owners. From left are DOLE representatives Angeli Salgados, Genara Paunat, Juan Berongoy, and Constantino Bautista. The turnover rite was held at the DOLE-Bohol office. Contributed photo
Beneficiary Constantino Bautista sees the aid turned over by Cong. Edgar Chatto and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to him is an opportunity to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Last Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bohol office, Chatto led the turnover of livelihood assistance through starter kits to some small business owners.
Bautista, a tailor, expressed immense gratitude after receiving the kit that included a sewing machine, pieces of fabric and some rolls of thread. He shared the difficulties he had to overcome amid the Coronavirus disease (Covid) pandemic.
The assistance is a glimmer of hope as Bautista puts in effort to thrive amid the crisis.
Bautista is one of three small business owners who received the aid under a partnership program of Chatto’s office and DOLE.
Along with Bautista, Juan Berongoy received a sewing machine and jersey cloth for the production of Ready To Wear clothing and sports jerseys.
Genara Paunat, on the other hand, received a set of cookware: stainless steamer, cake mould set, deep tray, deep colander, stock pot set, cutting board, measuring cups, cooler, gas stove, grater, fire pump, frying pan, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank for her food business.
For his part, Chatto, encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of livelihood opportunities given to them.
“Many were displaced because of the pandemic. I hope that through the livelihood program, you will be able to improve your living conditions,” he said as he also commits to continue to support legislation in Congress geared towards ensuring funds to facilitate economic recovery through various agencies.
He also thanked DOLE-Bohol through Angeli Salgados for effectively implementing the program.
Not long ago, Chatto together with DOLE facilitated the release of assistance for the Panaghiusa sa Mga Gagmay’ng Magpapatigayon sa Tagbilaran (PAGMATA) to support the production of eco bags and locally made souvenirs.
Last year, over 5,000 displaced/disadvantaged workers from the first district were given temporary employment through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which Chatto facilitated under DOLE.