TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Two entries from this province that represented the Cordillera bagged this year’s Kabuhayan Award for best Department of Labor and Employment-assisted livelihood projects.
The Ytabuk Agri-Growers Association bagged the Best Livelihood Group award with its mushroom production and processing project. The group bested 16 regional entries.
Clarita Lapitan is the national awardee in the individual category for her red egg production and processing.
The Kabuhayan Award winners were feted during the awarding ceremony led by DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III at the New Coast Hotel, Manila last May 27.
DOLE-Kalinga Head Avelina Manganip said the two winners received P200,000 and P30,000, respectively for their national award.
They also received P100,000 and P30,000, respectively as regional winners.
Ytabuk Agri-Growers Association President Alma Mae Cruz said their livelihood project started in 2019. It is now exporting its products.
Manganip said the Kabuhayan Award recognizes successful beneficiaries of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program.
DOLE provided the Ytabuk Agri-Growers Association and Lapitan assistance in 2020.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the beneficiaries took on the challenge and were able to grow their livelihood projects, which are now their sources of income. – Larry Lopez
