LEGAZPI CITY – Ten fully vaccinated vendors from the coastal Masbate town of Milagros not only got protection from Covid-19, but also received new bicycles and mobile phones under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol “Bikecination” project.
DOLE Bicol spokesperson Johan Vi Gasga said the P25,000 Kabuhayan Starter Kit packages include the bicycle with complete accessories such as signal light, carrier, rear rack, insulated delivery bag, helmet, among others. The mobile phone comes with a SIM (subscriber identification module) card loaded with P4,000.
“Providing sustainable livelihood to informal vendors who struggle for a living in the midst of the global health crisis makes the start of December more exciting as it complements the spirit of giving, love, and hope while helping reduce the spread of Covid-19,” Gasga said.
“Bikecination” is a special project under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program that assists the entrepreneurial ventures of the poor, marginalized, and crisis-hit workers who are fully vaccinated. Its distribution was held on December 2.
Glenn Lasala, a vendor, wakes up at 4 a.m. daily to sell fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) and goes home at noon to bring food to his family.
“I feel so grateful to receive double livelihood showcase gifts from DOLE. As a bagoong vendor, this will make my delivery faster and easier. It will no longer be difficult for me to sell),” Lasala said in his native dialect.
DOLE-Bicol said the project will also help educate the public that Covid-19 vaccines are safe. (PNA)