Indigents receive P1.2M in DOLE livelihood assistance

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY --- Forty-two individuals in need within the city received a total of P1.2 million in livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday, June 10.

The recipients included former drug dependents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons deprived of liberty (PDL). They received this vital support during the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) distribution ceremony held at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium.

Among the recipients was Cyril Guemo from Barangay Seabreeze, a recovering drug user who faced three years of substance abuse. After nearly a year of rehabilitation, Guemo is now on a new path, thanks to a dressmaking livelihood package he received through the program.

“This is my chance to start over,” Guemo shared. “This help is not just material; it’s a symbol of trust and hope for a better future,” he remarked.

Melissa Mellinas, a solo parent from Barangay Bibincahan, expressed her gratitude, stating that her dream of establishing a sustainable livelihood finally became a reality with the government’s assistance in setting up a food vending business.

“I am sincerely thankful to the city government, to DOLE, and to our president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for sustaining this program,” said Mellinas.

“This program has given us more than just income—it has provided us with dignity and hope,” she added.

The DOLE supported various forms of small enterprises through the DILP, including salons, car wash services, welding shops, tailoring, and food businesses.

Mark Angelo Duana, DOLE’s provincial livelihood and development specialist in Sorsogon, stated that the livelihood assistance was bolstered by the city government of Sorsogon, which contributed 20 percent of the total funding to cover beneficiaries’ PhilHealth insurance, Social Security System coverage, training, and regular monitoring.

Charo Logronio, Sorsogon City’s youth development officer, noted that the livelihood program is also part of the Balay Silangan initiative—a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration program for former drug dependents.

Logronio, who also serves as the city’s focal person for anti-drug abuse and peace and order councils, explained that the program incorporates health services, guidance counseling, skills training, and peer mentorship.

“Some former clients have even become trainers themselves, demonstrating the success of this initiative,” he added.

The program also offers support to the families of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), ensuring they are not neglected while their loved ones are imprisoned.

“By combining livelihood, rehabilitation, and holistic care, the government continues to pave the way for transformed lives and stronger communities—proof that real change is possible when public service is grounded in compassion and inclusivity,” Logronio concluded. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)