THE province of Guimaras employed six Ati communities to mass plant citronella in Sitio Serum, San Nicolas Buenavista, Sitio Ubog, Lanipe, Nueva Valencia, and Sitio Tarug, Poblacion, Nueva Valencia. This project is a continuation of the DOLE Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) granted to the province of Guimaras last November 2019. To date, the project amounting to P7,509,150.00 has already benefitted 1,110 workers.
This alternative employment program aims to develop citronella plants into mosquito repellant products such as candles, oils, perfumes and ointments. The program likewise provided alternative livelihood for various communities and the necessary income to meet the basic needs of their families. It also gave them the opportunity to take part in promoting eco-friendly projects.
Mr. Richie Buyco, OIC-Head of DOLE-Guimaras said that apart from the grant, the beneficiaries also received capacity-building support from other national government agencies such as trainings on the production and promotion of citronella products as well as preservation of their culture and tradition./PN
