Lubao livelihood projects get P1-M startup grant from DOLE

Albert B. Lacanlale

LUBAO, Pampanga—Beneficiaries of the Alernative Learning System (ALS) and livelihood program of the local government here got a major boost with a P1-million startup grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Raquel Lugtu, Lubao Public Employment Services Office (Peso) Manager, said the grant was given to the 210 combined beneficiaries in the form of starter kits and business startup equipment.

DOLE Pampanga Chief Labor Employment Officer Arlene Tolentino, along with Vice Mayor Robertito Diaz, Councilors Gonzalo Tungul and Carlos Carlos II and ALS Coordinator Agnes Bansil Vitug led the awarding of the kits at the Pineda Sports Complex in Barangay San Nicolas 1st.

Lugtu said P500,000 of the grant was used to purchase bakery equipment for 40 graduates of the ALS training on Bread and Pastries who have grouped together to establish a new business under the name Lubao ALS Bakers.

The group received the equipment that include commercial ovens, heavy-duty mixers, cooling trays and racks, bread slicer and digital weighing scale which they will house in a shop that will supply bread and pastry products to Lubao public schools.

Lugtu said the LGU has also provided P60,000 for the initial ingredients that the Lubao ALS Bakers needs to start its operation.

The other beneficiaries have undergone a month-long training on massage therapy (70 graduates), electrical installation and maintenance (50); and hairdressing (50).

These were each given a starter kit to begin indulging in profitable businesses of their own.

“At ne kasanting, kayari yu pwede na kayung magobra. Laganap ing obra, atyu na kekayu nung ali kayu bisang magobra. Pero sigurado atin kayung aluban kasi atin na kayung certificate,” Vice Mayor Diaz said.

For her part, Tolentino thanked the local government unit for its support in the implementation of DOLE’s programs.
“The LGU of Lubao is one of the most active in the implementation of DOLE programs,” Tolentino said.