𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗘-𝗔𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗶ñ𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

KALIBO, Aklan- On July 15, 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan, distributed startup kits to 450 beneficiaries under the Production of Piña Fabric and Garments Project through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) during a ceremony held at the ABL Sports Complex, Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan.

The program was attended by Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr., Regional Director of DOLE Region VI, together with Province of Aklan-Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores; Congressman Jess Marquez of the First District of Aklan; Ms. Carla Doromal, Executive Assistant representing Kalibo Mayor Juris B. Sucro; Engr. Michael L. Gison, Provincial Director of the DOLE-Aklan Field Office; Provincial Director Jonathan Togonon of TESDA; OIC Provincial Director Grace M. Benedicto of the DTI-Aklan Field Office; Bianca Flor B. Hernando, DOLE-Aklan Field Office Livelihood Focal Person; Ms. Anna India Dela Cruz-Legaspi, President of Aklan Piña Mantra; and Ms. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, Executive Director of the Aklan ICT Council. Their presence underscored the strong collaboration among national government agencies, local government units, and industry partners in advancing Aklan’s piña industry, preserving its rich weaving heritage, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans.

With 9 million in livelihood assistance from DOLE out of the project’s total cost of 11.25 million, the initiative provided startup kits to 450 beneficiaries, including farmers, scrapers, knotters, warpers, weavers, and dressmakers. The project aims to strengthen Aklan’s piña industry by enhancing the production of piña fabrics and garments, preserving the province’s rich weaving tradition, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans.

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#KabuhayanProgram
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