The City of San Fernando in Pampanga has secured a significant boost for its iconic lantern-making industry. The local government received a ₱1 million grant from the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program.
Liwanag ng Pag-asa: Lighting the Way Forward
Dubbed "Liwanag ng Pag-asa: Reviving the Past, Lighting the Future," the project is a dual-purpose initiative. It aims to safeguard the city's cherished cultural tradition of lantern-making while creating sustainable economic opportunities for its marginalized residents. The city government is committing an additional ₱250,000 counterpart fund to ensure the program's success and longevity.
Empowering a Diverse Group of Beneficiaries
The program is designed to directly assist 25 individuals from vulnerable sectors. The list of beneficiaries includes:
- Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)
- Persons with Disability (PWDs)
- Local lantern makers seeking to enhance their skills
Through comprehensive skills training, livelihood assistance, and production support, the project will equip them with marketable skills deeply rooted in San Fernando's heritage.
Ceremonial Turnover and Official Commitments
The grant was formally handed over in a ceremony attended by DOLE officials, including Pampanga Provincial Director May Lynn Gozun and Division Chiefs Aurita Laxamana and Catherine Mago. Mayor Vilma Caluag and City Public Employment Services Office (CPESO) Manager Mary Ann Biliwang accepted the funding on behalf of the city.
Mayor Caluag expressed profound gratitude to DOLE, emphasizing that the project delivers more than just income. "It gives hope to its beneficiaries," she stated, highlighting its role in fostering inclusive development and strengthening San Fernando's identity as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines."
CPESO Manager Biliwang reinforced her office's role, pledging to provide beneficiaries with the necessary guidance and support to transform them into productive community members.
The initiative marks a strategic step in using cultural assets as a engine for economic growth and social inclusion, ensuring the city's lanterns continue to symbolize both celebration and opportunity.
