DOLE-Rizal Provincial Office

𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄-𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨-𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

PILILLA, Rizal – In line with the commitment of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. TOLentino to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities and support vulnerable workers affected by economic displacement, the DOLE-Rizal Provincial Office (DOLE-RPO) awarded livelihood assistance worth PhP 632,320.00 to 20 displaced ambulant vendors and workers in Pililla, Rizal under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), June 9.

The beneficiaries received Nego-Kart Packages designed to help them sustain and expand their existing microenterprises. The intervention aims to provide a safer, more organized, and sustainable means of livelihood for ambulant vendors who were affected by the local government's clearing operations.

The awarding ceremony was led by DOLE Rizal Provincial Head Celia G. Ariola and Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Victoria B. Natanauan, who reaffirmed the agency's commitment to empowering workers and helping small entrepreneurs build resilient livelihoods.

During the activity, Mayor John V. Masinsin highlighted the efforts of the Municipal Government of Pililla in assisting the displaced ambulant vendors affected by the clearing operations. He shared that the local government has established designated areas, including a market and night market, where vendors can legally and safely conduct their businesses. Through the combined support of the Municipal Government, PESO Pililla headed by Ruth Patapat, and DOLE-RPO, the beneficiaries were provided not only with livelihood assistance but also with suitable locations where they can continue earning a living and serving the community.

Among the beneficiaries was Leonardo Regado, a 54-year-old fruit shake vendor from Pililla who has been in business for 20 years. Through his small enterprise, he was able to send three children to college.

"Ito po'y malaking tulong sa amin para mas mapaganda pa ang aming paghahanapbuhay. Actually po, tatlong college na po ang napag-aral ko dahil lang sa pagtitinda nito," Regado shared.

He expressed optimism that the upgraded nego-kart, complete with an e-bike component, would help improve mobility and increase his earning potential.

"Mapapagaan ang aming paghahanapbuhay, pwede kaming lumipat ng pwesto kung saan-saan dahil naupgrade na ito at may e-bike pa," he added.

Another beneficiary, Rowena Ibarra, a 53-year-old kakanin vendor from Malaya Villa Quintana who has been selling for 18 years, became emotional upon receiving her livelihood package.

"Itong binigay sa'kin nakakaiyak. Tuwang-tuwa talaga ako dito. Ang laking bagay sa akin. Sosyal na ang tinda ko. Hindi na ako nakakaawang tingnan," she said.

For years, Ibarra sold her products using an improvised stall made from a baby stroller and bamboo flooring. Receiving a professionally designed nego-cart not only upgraded her business but also restored her confidence as a vendor.
"Pag-iingatan ko po 'yan at talagang gagamitin ko sa negosyo. Hindi ko ibebenta. Sobrang thank you po," she said.

Likewise, Noelyn Angkahan, a 47-year-old ihaw-ihaw vendor from Wawa, Pililla, who has been in business for 26 years, highlighted how the livelihood package would reduce operating costs and improve her mobility as a vendor.

"Makakatulong po sa amin ang nego-cart kasi magkakaroon po kami ng sarili naming puwesto. Hindi na kami magbabayad ng renta at maaari na kaming pumunta sa iba't ibang lugar na maaari naming pagnegosyuhan," she shared.

Angkahan noted that her livelihood had enabled her to send three children to college, while two more are still pursuing their studies.

"Sobrang salamat po sa DOLE dahil isa ako sa mga napili na mabigyan ng nego-kart na mas makatutulong para mapalago pa namin ang aming hanapbuhay," she said.

Through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, DOLE-RPO continues to provide vulnerable workers and informal sector participants with opportunities to strengthen their enterprises, improve their incomes, and achieve greater economic stability (with reports from Jessa Mae B. Diesta) | via CBaisa/DOLE-RPO