• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The La Carlota City government, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), officially released a P3 million national livelihood grant to support six local farmers’ associations in their recovery from recent natural disasters.
The funding is part of the ‘Kabuhayan Restoration for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery’ project, where DOLE provides 80 percent of the grant while the City Government contributes a 20 percent counterpart.
The resources are specifically allocated to agricultural communities in Araal, Danao, Batuan, and Yubo that were significantly affected by recent volcanic activity and weather disturbances.
The six beneficiary groups selected for the initial phase include the Sitio Mansibanga Livestock Raiser Association, Yubo Women and Farm Workers Association, Batuan Riverside Farmers and Farmworkers Association, Estela Agrarian Reform Cooperative, JOL Farm Workers and Farmers Association, and HDA. Danao Farmers Association.
The funds are designed to provide specialized equipment and strategic support for crop production, processing, and marketing.
The city’s Public Employment Service Office will continue to track the success of each business through regular project monitoring and evaluation.
Vice Mayor David Baga Jr. urged the associations to maintain strict discipline and time management to ensure the sustainability of the project.
Baga emphasized that the new equipment is a tool for collective growth, stating that while individuals can do well alone, the community can achieve more through cooperation.*
