DTI provides help for the evacuees of Mayon Volcano calamity

With the several days of Mayon Volcano’s restlessness, the marks of residents who had to evacuate were already provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Albay Provincial Office with skills and livelihood trainings over and done through the project, “Alternative Income Opportunities.”

Last January 31 in Camalig, DTI-Albay led trainings on coco-coir and abaca twining to at least 45 individuals including housewives and youth to help the evacuees’ livelihood affected by the calamity. To produce earnings, Cocotech Industries Phils. Inc, a company based in Camalig, will buy the finished products to ensure market sustainability.

“Many evacuees are concerned with their livelihood, which is why we want to lend a helping hand to them, so they can earn while they continue to stay at evacuation centers,” said DTI-Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco.

There is also skills training on Pili shell craft making to be conducted on February 9 at another center in Mayon Elementary School, Buang, Tabaco City.

DTI Albay also considered the needs and skills of people from Legazpi City, Daraga, Guniobatan and Ligao.

National Food Authority (NFA) partnered with DTI and set a “Diskwento Caravan” at Bariw National High School last week and they were given the chance to access the basic goods and commodities at reduced prices.

1,400 evacuees were served during the event.