DOLE joins Maasins 106TH Anniversary; provides livelihood assistance

MAASIN City, Iloilo- DOLE RO 6 shared the joy and pride of the people of the Municipality of Maasin, Iloilo in its 106th founding Anniversary on July 25, 2024 and provided a Php 5M pesos assistance (2M for TUPAD ad 3 M for livelihood) to help uplift the economic condition of the informal workers.

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.  lauded the leadership and the cooperation of the Maasinanons for the growth and development of the municipality in the past years, and turned over the check to Mayor Francis A. Amboy.

“The assistance was in compliance with the directives of Sec. Benny E. Laguesma to bring the government closer to the people and touch the marginalized workers in the far-flung areas who are mostly unserved, underserved and hard to reach sectors of the society,” announced Atty. Rodriguez, Jr.

He also shared his feelings on the occasion as a moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges and future prospects on the municipality.

The Regional Director also wowed the crowd when he sang Bamboo’s hit album Tatsulok, emphasizing on social justice and the fight against poverty.

Emphasizing on the line “hangga’t marami ang luklok sa kahirapan at ang hustisya ay para lang sa mayaman, habang may tatsulok at sila lang ang nasa tuktok hindi matatapos ang gulo,” Atty. Rodriguez called the Maasinanons to be part of the change; to fight poverty by utilizing properly the programs and services provided by the government.

Quoting Former Pres. Ramon Magsaysay’s famous words, “those who have less in life must have more in law.,” the Regional Director reminded the Maasinanons that the government join hands to live with the purpose and the goal of this principle-to fight and reduce poverty by serving the needs of the people.

“My friends, the true essence of social justice is in action and practice not just a mere legal principle,” RD Rodriguez said.

Last year, DOLE also provided a PHP1.8 M assistance to Maasin Bamboo Association to produce quality bamboo handicrafts and furniture that could come at par with the global standards and to preserve the ingenuity of the Maasinanons in bamboo handicraft making. jpm