Owners of micro and small businesses in Valenzuela City have received recognition and a cash incentive amounting to Php160, 000 pesos from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for winning the Best Livelihood Assisted program regional level under the Integrated Livelihood Program and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP), June 24, 2022.

Ms. Nesa Sigawan won the individual category for her Rastacraft Engraving Services and received a cash incentive worth 60,000 pesos. Meanwhile, the Business Association Rising in Barangay Ugong (BARBU) won the group category, bagging 100,000 pesos.

The recognition accorded to Ms. Sigawan, and BARBU means they are now playing a vital role in encouraging other Valenzuelanos to participate in the national government's livelihood programs.

It's the first time Valenzuela businesses won in the individual and group categories of DOLE's DILEEP.

During the awarding ceremony, DOLE extended its sincerest gratitude to Valenzuela City's First District Representative-elect, outgoing Mayor REX Gatchalian, for making it easier for his constituents to access livelihood programs from the national government. The labor department also acknowledged Mayor Rex's tireless efforts to implement programs and services that provide employment opportunities to the people of Valenzuela.

In his speech, the outgoing mayor hopes DOLE would launch more livelihood programs to help many people tide over the still lingering impact of the pandemic.

The City selected livelihood program beneficiaries through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), prioritizing individuals who lost their jobs and those with struggling small businesses.

PESO teaches beneficiaries to handle money and trains them to grow their capital and adequately care for their livelihood. The office makes sure to create as many jobs as possible.

Meanwhile, the Community Savings Group Elite Disiplina Village Bignay was awarded sacks of rice worth 200,000 pesos. This livelihood assistance is also expected to grow and give credits in the years to come. Barangay chairman Eduardo Nazar of Barangay Ugong also graces the program and is appreciated for his untiring support among constituents.

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