Starter kit from DOLE helps widow rebound from grief, uncertainty

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Lourdes Rañeses of Barangay Itomang in Talisay started a “karenderia” (eatery) with a cooking starter kit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This led her to become a caterer for events.

Her catering service provided extra income to support her children in college and helped her waiters with additional earnings to help cover their studies.

Rañeses said the income from her karenderia was only enough for her children’s allowances and daily food. This prompted her to start a catering service to earn more.

Due to her perseverance, she found success in her business. She was recognized as the 1st Runner-Up in the “Best Dole Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Implementing Project – Individual Category” during the “2025 DOLE RO5 Kabuhayan Awards,” held early this month at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City.

“I was forced to work after my husband, a seaman, died. I worked as a cook in a mining company for two years and in an Althea restaurant for three years,” she shared.

She said that when DOLE called her to award her the cooking starter kit, she immediately opened a karenderia in front of their house. The cooking tools and equipment worth P25,267 were awarded on April 17, 2023.

One of her children has already graduated from college, and another is currently studying. One of her waiters has also finished his studies, two are nearing graduation, and another one is in first year college.

Perlita Bustamante, Rañeses’ business partner, provides her eating utensils and the cooking venue for the catering service. She shared that she met Rañeses when she was catering her mother-in-law’s 87th birthday.

“She cooks deliciously, and for me, she is the best cook,” Bustamante said.

Maynard Balan, a 21-year-old waiter at Rañeses eatery, expressed his appreciation for working instead of being idle or just “tambay” (hanging out), as it helps him earn money for his studies.

“The DOLE remains committed to uplifting marginalized sectors through sustainable livelihood opportunities. As part of this mission, we honor individuals whose perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit inspire their communities,” said DOLE Provincial Director Cherry Mosatalla.

Rañeses is one such individual, with her catering services business serving as a shining example of how livelihood assistance can transform lives, she said.

Mosatalla explained that, with the support of DOLE, Rañeses successfully expanded her modest home-based food enterprise, acquired essential equipment, and scaled up her operations, creating meaningful employment opportunities for fellow residents in her community.

She noted that this initiative not only enhanced Rañeses’s business operations but also fostered local employment, improved household welfare, and contributed to inclusive community growth.

More than just a livelihood project, her remarkable journey reflects the very essence of DOLE’s vision: enabling marginalized workers to overcome challenges, achieve economic independence, and build a future grounded in dignity and hope, Mosatalla said.

As DOLE continues to empower individuals like Rañeses, it strengthens the culture of resilience, solidarity, and progress in every Filipino community, she added. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)

Lourdes R. Rañeses from Itomang Talisay shared her journey, which began when she became a widow. Despite the challenges, she persevered by working as a cook. Eventually, she received a starter kit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which enabled her to establish a karenderia and a catering service. (Photo credit: DOLE Camarines Norte)