DOLE12 NEGO-KART LAUNCHED IN KORONADAL CITY

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 12 has formally launched its latest livelihood projects, the “Nego-Kart” or Negosyo sa Kariton along with the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kit last November 17 at Rizal Park, Koronadal City.
At least 40 residents from Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao were chosen to be the initial beneficiaries of the said project which aimed to provide alternative sources of income for our poor and marginal workers in the informal sector. In South Cotabato, 21 ambulant vendors received assistance packages that would mainly help their existing livelihood ventures expand and grow into profitable and sustainable businesses. The project provides services that would enable its beneficiaries increase, upgrade and diversify their products and services as well as market them to more buyers or customers. Each beneficiary was provided with a “Nego-Kart” vending cart, accessory livelihood tools worth P12, 000, some working capital for the procurement or production of marketable goods and /or services (raw materials and other inputs) and training assistance on production skills, entrepreneurship and business management.
Under the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kit (DK) project, at least 19 residents were given livelihood kit worth P5,000 each. Beneficiaries, which mainly came from underprivileged sectors such as out of school youths, women, parents of child laborers, Indigenous People (IPs), physically or occupationally disabled, urban poor, elderly persons, landless farmers and fisherfolk, displaced waged workers and returning overseas workers and their families. Priority projects that beneficiaries may undertake include simple house-to-house service-oriented skills (massage, plumbing, cosmetology, electrical servicing, welding, native snack preparation, car wash, motorcycle repair, cellular phone repair, appliance repair.

According to Ms Gloria Tango, DOLE 12 director, the project is part of the agency’s continuing efforts to help improve the socio-economic well-being of workers in the formal economy. DOLE, as one of the government’s line agencies that support and implement anti-poverty programs of Pres Arroyo, was delegated to assist the people on how to generate income and support their family’s need through enhancing income and providing employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the said project are required to enroll in social protection services offered by the government such as the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and other related social protection schemes as soon as their business cycle would allow. Displaced overseas workers on the other hand, may undergo the training-cum-production scheme being offered by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs and or venture in group projects requiring common services facility that may also be funded by the agency.