BY: THELMA C. BICARME, PIA and DAISY D.J. SIMON, DOST

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 1 –The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here recently awarded livelihood assistance to two wine makers associations in the province to boost their production of wine out of tropical fruits.

DOLE Provincial Director Ma. Theresa Ronquillo said no less than DOLE Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. handed the checks amounting to P216,000.00 to Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association (QYEA) of  Diffun and another P467,300.00 to Beth Fruits and Wine of Maddela Quirino.

QYEA is composed of students from the Quirino State University under their adviser Asst Prof Mila Benabice and Beth Fruits and Wine is owned by Elizabeth Saure the maker of Bugnay wine which was awarded as the Most Innovative  Product under the food category in 2012 Quirino Day celebration.

The awarding of livelihood assistance is one of the convergence projects of DOLE, QSU local government units. Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Department of Trade and other agencies aimed at establishing community-based enterprises to facilitate employment and boost income of the small entrepreneurs.

DOLE handles the provision of working capital in the form of raw materials equipment tools as well as the employment aspect. DOST will provide appropriate technologies and livelihood training. DTI will take care of the market side

(ALM/TCB/PIA 2-Quirino)