Some 30 individuals here who were former beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) short-term employment program have transcended their dependence on government intervention, and have become agri-entrepreneurs in their own right.

These former Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program beneficiaries from Barangay Managpi in this city recently banded together as an association to establish their own “community garden” to grow and sell eggplant.

In an online post on Friday, DOLE-Mimaropa reported that the endeavor has been so successful over the past year that the group, called Samahan na may Isang Layunin na maiangat Ang Kumikitang Kabuhayan (SILAK), is now expanding its city farm by leasing another vacant property.

DOLE Regional Director Naomi Lyn Abellana pledged to continue helping SILAK through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) as the group pursues the path towards financial independence.

She also lauded these former TUPAD beneficiaries “for their determination to reach higher goals.”

SILAK came together with assistance from the city government, and even its barangay council.

Rhea Macaraig, community affairs coordinator of the city government, said the TUPAD beneficiaries were encouraged to embark on livelihood projects after their temporary employment under the DOLE’s program.

She said they deserve to have more substantive occupations after their short stint with the DOLE, which mostly required them to sweep the streets and bag rubbish.

“This all started with the TUPAD program. But we thought it might be better if they had a project of their own, so they will not be limited to merely working with brooms and trash bags in hand,” Macaraig, also a resident of Barangay Managpi, said in Filipino.

The city official said having their own farm allows SILAK members to have sustainable livelihood while ensuring that their community has a steady supply of fresh food. (PNA)