The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Pampanga has delivered a significant financial boost to the local community, distributing more than P10 million in combined assistance to students and small-scale entrepreneurs. This major initiative, carried out recently, underscores a concerted effort to support marginalized sectors in the province.
Student Salaries Under SPES Program
A total of 1,690 students from Pampanga have benefited from the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES). Each student received P12,300 in salary after completing several days of community work. The funding was a collaborative effort, with DOLE-Pampanga covering 40% of the total salary cost, amounting to P8,319,720. The remaining 60% was shouldered by the provincial government of Pampanga, highlighting a strong local partnership.
Livelihood Boost for Small Businesses
Beyond student aid, DOLE also empowered local entrepreneurs through its Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). The agency awarded livelihood assistance worth P2,239,750 to 113 individual beneficiaries. This support came in the form of enhancement packages for a diverse range of small businesses, providing essential materials and inventory.
The packages distributed were tailored to various common livelihood ventures, including:
- Coffee vending materials and fruit vending packages
- Ready-to-wear merchandise and school supplies kits
- Poultry retail packages and raw materials for kakanin production
- Hairdressing kits and frozen goods
- Sari-sari store and rice retailing items
Officials Highlight Support for Marginalized Sectors
The distribution event was led by key officials including Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, and DOLE Central Luzon Director Geraldine Panlilio. Director Panlilio emphasized that this assistance is a core part of the department's mission to uplift vulnerable groups.
She stated that the programs are designed for low-income workers, persons with disabilities (PWDs), persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), families of child laborers, underemployed individuals, and students. This targeted approach ensures that aid reaches those who need it most, fostering both immediate relief and sustainable economic activity within the Kapampangan community.
The combined effort between the national agency and the provincial government demonstrates a proactive model for local development, directly injecting millions of pesos into the hands of students and micro-entrepreneurs to stimulate growth from the ground up.
