In line with Governor Imee R. Marcos’ mission to provide and sustain livelihoods for Ilocanos, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) conducted an orientation to 50 Nego-Kart Express beneficiaries at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium.
The program, which will be launched next month, involves supplying beneficiaries with a proper vending cart, livelihood tools, starting capital, and trainings for ambulant vendors in order to increase and sustain their income level.
Job creation has been a strong advocacy of Governor Marcos since she took office in 2010 due to the many waves of outmigration from Ilocos Norte and the present-day trend of young professionals opting to work abroad, which damaged the local economy.
Unemployment within the province was also the primary cause of a 24% poverty rate in 2010, which fell to 8.4% by 2015. Through the program, Gov. Marcos hopes to continue increasing the employment rate in the province which is currently at 50.78%, according to the latest PESO records.
With the majority of beneficiaries being women, this also reflects gender equality and women empowerment in the province as Atty. Ameurfina A. Respicio, consultant on women under the Provincial Governor’s Office, shared, “Economic empowerment and economic development of women is needed for them not to be dependent on their spouses… Both the husband and the wife share an obligation for the management of the household, whether it is through household duties or financial contributions.”
This rings true with Governor Marcos’s statement in her last State of the Province Address where she mentioned that Ilocos Norte social services must go beyond payouts and push towards cash-for-work and business, stating, “Women province-wide are leading the charge.” – Mizpah Grace G. Castro, PGIN-CMO
