CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela: At least 1,601 qualified entrepreneurs were awarded P26.8 million worth of tools and raw materials by the Department of Labor and Employment-Isabela Field Office from January to June this year.

The livelihood initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to alleviate poverty by equipping marginalized sectors of society with resources for income-generating activities, Isabela Field Office chief Evelyn Yango said.

She also said each beneficiary received tools and raw materials amounting to P25,000 to P30,000 this year.

These budding entrepreneurs are venturing into diverse trades such as baking, carpentry, culinary snack vending, food processing, banana fiber paper-making, catering and tailoring.

“After six months to one year of project implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities shall be conducted to assess the impact of the project on the clients assisted. It will also provide results on how far the livelihood projects contributed to employment generation and poverty reduction,” Yango said.

The successful execution of the projects, in line with prescribed protocols, is seen holding the promise of amplified income and job creation.

The venture is not solely about added revenue, it extends to enhancing social protection through enrollment in the Government Service Insurance System, Yango said.

Participating agencies provided business mentoring technical assistance and access to other essential resources aimed at improving the beneficiaries’ entrepreneurial skills and sustainability, she added.