The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) released over PHP125.8 million in livelihood aid to 4,800 workers in the region in the first three quarters of 2025.

The assistance was implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the department’s flagship program aimed at providing emergency employment and sustainable livelihood assistance to displaced workers, low-income earners, informal sector workers, and vulnerable groups.

“The program supported a wide range of individual and group-based livelihood projects in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, retail, services, and other community-based enterprises. The assistance is primarily aimed at promoting income generation, reducing vulnerability to economic shocks, and supporting inclusive local economic growth across the region,” DOLE-6 said in a statement on Tuesday.

A piña fabric and garments project, which received PHP9 million, and the United Reservists Producers Cooperative in Boracay, which was granted PHP2 million for its herbal-infused artisan bath soap making project, were among the recipients in Aklan.

A fishing boat enhancement and provision of fishing and pump boat materials for the Indigenous Peoples in Antique received PHP800,000.

In Capiz, the raft oyster and mussel culture project for the Pinamihagan Conservation of Mangrove and Fisherfolk Association and the commodities store project for Persons with Disabilities each received PHP500,000.

The parents of child laborers in Iloilo were given a total of PHP8.05 million, and PHP1 million for the parents of child laborers in Guimaras for various livelihood projects.

In Negros Occidental, 18 persons deprived of liberty received PHP549,892 for a rice retailing project.

“Through the program, beneficiaries received support in the form of starter kits, tools, equipment, raw materials, and capacity-building interventions designed to help them establish or expand livelihood ventures,” the DOLE said.

DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr., in the statement, said the “DILP is more than financial assistance, but also a strategic intervention to empower workers and communities.” (PNA)