Livelihood Aid Worth P250K Given to Coconut Oil Producers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Mimaropa, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sofronio Española, recently conducted a partial turn-over ceremony of raw materials, tools, and equipment to the INA Producers Cooperative, with the goal to support and sustain the cooperative’s coconut oil production.

DOLE gave PHP250,000 in funding to the cooperative’s livelihood project. This in turn will translate to raw materials, tools, and equipment for the livelihood of coconut oil producers.

INA Producers Cooperative Chairperson Linda Mamah expressed gratitude for the timely support received.

She also shared her vision of having their coconut-based products become part of Sofronio Española’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) initiative, which aims to showcase locally-made goods.

The DOLE-DILP (KABUHAYAN) program, which provided livelihood assistance to the INA Producers Cooperative, aims to empower and uplift the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers in both formal and informal sectors.

The program consists of three key components designed to address different aspects of livelihood development. These components are Kabuhayan Formation, which enables workers to start individual or group livelihood undertakings; Kabuhayan Enhancement, which enables existing livelihood undertakings to grow into viable and sustainable businesses; and Kabuhayan Restoration, which enables the re-establishment of lost or damaged livelihoods due to the occurrence of natural disasters/calamities.

The cooperative is the only coconut cooking oil and virgin coconut oil producer in the municipality. (GFB)