TACLOBAN CITY — Strengthening peace through livelihood support, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office has rolled out Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) business kits to members of the Integrated Peace and Development Worker’s Association (IPDWA) in Baybay City and Ormoc City.
In Baybay City, 51 IPDWA beneficiaries received livelihood packages during a distribution activity at the Baybay City New City Hall. The assistance included 20 sari-sari store packages, 18 rice retailing packages, and 13 hog-raising packages, all aimed at helping former rebels and conflict-affected individuals generate income and rebuild their livelihoods.
The activity was conducted in coordination with partner agencies and supported by the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion. Representing the unit, 2nd Lt. Ivy Grail Sibaton highlighted the importance of livelihood programs in fostering self-reliance, community resilience, and lasting peace.
A similar distribution was held in Ormoc City, where DTI Leyte provided PPG business kits to 23 identified IPDWA beneficiaries at the New Ormoc City Hall in Barangay Cogon.
Capt. Danilo Danao, commandant of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, underscored the value of inter-agency collaboration in empowering beneficiaries to lead productive and self-sufficient lives. He added that the battalion also assisted in coordinating with beneficiaries to ensure the smooth implementation of the activities.
DTI Leyte Provincial Director Faustino Gayas Jr. said the PPG Program is designed to help beneficiaries restart their lives through entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities, contributing to inclusive growth and community stability.
DTI Leyte thanked its partner stakeholders, noting that the continued rollout of the PPG Program is part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to promoting peace, recovery, and long-term development in Leyte.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
