ILOILO City – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave P1,195,750 financial assistance for the establishment of Sparcling Food Haus of the Alternative Learning System (ALS), Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Antique.
The project gives livelihood opportunities and a learning experience to out-of-school beneficiaries.
“DOLE is committed to help change the lives of out-of-school youths through various programs. We believe that this livelihood project will provide financial assistance, and more importantly, learning and inspiration to the beneficiaries,” said DOLE-6 regional director Cyril Ticao.
During the launching of the project, Corazon Tingson, officer-in-charge – DepEd Antique assistant schools division superintendent said, “DOLE Kabuhayan Program integrates both learning and earning opportunities to the learners in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).”
Rodney Salinog, district ALS coordinator said this project will allow learners to earn while completing the ALS program.
More than livelihood, the Kabuhayan Program also provides hope and inspiration to the learners.
“Bahol gid ang nabulig ka project halin sa DOLE. Ga eskwela ako kag maka-obra at the same time,” said 31-year-old Virgiemae Anabo, who works as a food server at Sparcling Food Haus.
Anabo hopes the project could help her graduate and change her life and that of her nine-year-old child. The livelihood project inspired her to pursue training in cooking as soon as she finished the program.
Dr. Anita Gubalane, DepEd education program supervisor, looks forward that the undertaking will be instrumental in the empowerment of the out-of-school youths particularly the ALS learners. Being one who initiated and pushed for the project, she is confident of its sustainability and success.
The livelihood opportunity also encouraged the beneficiaries to finish secondary education to improve their lives.
“Salamat sa DOLE sa pagtugro sa amon ka project,” a thankful Romeo Panaguiton said. The wages he earned as a dishwasher sustained his studies. The 30-year old learner expressed his desires to finish the ALS Program and to undergo training in cooking and wiring installation.
Melisa Navarra, DOLE-Antique Field Office head reminded the beneficiaries to take good care of the project.
She is optimistic that the project will inspire them to dream big and help them finish their studies.DOLE-6/PN
