Gov. Imee launches 2nd wave of her Livelihood Program for Women

LAOAG CITY, Aug. 1–To further provi
de jobs and support small-scale industries in Ilocos Norte, Gov. Imee R. Marcos has launched the second wave of Livelihood Program for Women in Business held last July 27.
The selection of beneficiaries was spearheaded by the Gender and Development Office under Nelinda Erice. GAD fieldmen went to the different barangays and evaluated the beneficiaries’ lines of business,” Erice said.
During the launching rites held at the provincial capitol, Governor Marcos handed P10,000 loan to 49 beneficiaries from Badoc, Pinili, Currimao, Paoay, San Nicolas, Batac, Nueva Era, Marcos, Banna, Piddig, and Bacarra. The recipients run micro-businesses in food vending, craft-making, hog-raising, buy-and-sell and others.
“This P10,000 is only an additional capital for existing businesses,” added Erice. She explained that the beneficiaries will repay the loan in monthly installment basis  for a 10-month period, with a fixed 5% interest (P500.00) payable at the end of the loan term. Their first payment will be this coming October.
The first wave of this program started last March 20 this year as part of the National Women’s Month celebration. It has already benefited 31 women-entrepreneurs in the province. This financial assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs is one of Governor Marcos’ ongoing schemes which she mentioned during her recent second State of the Province Address.
Other prospective loan beneficiaries may inquire at the Gender and Development Office, Ilocos Norte provincial capitol. Applicants should be members of the Local Council for Women.(grazielle mae a. sales/pgin-cmo)