SOME one hundred sixty households in the city of Valencia in Bukidnon province who were most affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have received livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said in a press statement Thursday.

Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas lauded DTI for its move to help micro enterprises affected by calamities, including health disasters, such as the pandemic, to restart their businesses.

“I am very happy today. I am grateful to DTI, to our Senator Bong Go, and to President Rodrigo Duterte,” said Huervas.

DTI assistant Secretary Reveree Niño Contreras, along with Northern Mindanao regional director Linda Boniao and Bukidnon provincial director Eriberto Taban-ud Jr, were the one delivered variety of livelihood starter kits to identified households from barangays Tugaya, Laligan, Guinoyuran, Banlag, Concepcion and Barobo, all in Valencia City.

Implemented under DTI’s “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG)” program, the livelihood kits worth more than P545,000 include Organic Vegetable Gardening, Banana Chips Processing, and Motorcycle Shop Starter Kit.

Huervas said the starter kits will really help in improving their constituents’ daily living.

“I urge our recipients here today to harness and maximize this PPG livelihood program because if we will not use these kits properly, our government’s program and vision will be wasted,” said Huervas, adding that she strongly encourages the recipients to make the most of the grants.

The government is useless if you do not use it in the right way. I hope the next time DTI visits us; there will be a positive feedback from you, according to the mayor.

DTI-10 regional director Linda Boniao, likewise, urged PPG recipients to be persevering.

“It is my hope, my prayer, that these “Pangkabuhayan” will really help you and make your lives easier,” Boniao said.

In his speech, Contreras said DTI has been distributing livelihood starter kits since June this year funded by the Office of Senator Bong Go.

“This program will not flourish without you—the beneficiaries. I am now here to see and ensure that government’s assistance will definitely come to you,” said Contreras. As what Mayor Huervas said, we will be back here and see how are you faring with your project,” Asec. Contreras said. (Recthie Tolinero/BGE/PIA Bukidnon)