DUPAX DEL SUR, NUEVA VIZCAYA – Turning livelihood assistance into lasting opportunity requires more than capital—it demands capability. In line with this, 74 members of the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative Employees Union (NUVELCO-EU) participated in a Business and Work Improvement Course (BWIC) on 25 April 2026, held at the NUVELCO Hall. The activity was conducted through the initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment – Nueva Vizcaya Field Office (DOLE-NVFO), in collaboration with RTWPB – II and partner agencies, in preparation for the awarding of a Php 480,000 rice-grain “bigasan” package under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) on 01 May 2026.

The DILP, a flagship program of DOLE, provides grant assistance to help workers—particularly those in vulnerable sectors—establish or expand livelihood enterprises. However, beyond financial support, the program emphasizes the importance of capability-building interventions to ensure that beneficiaries are equipped with the necessary entrepreneurial, technical, and managerial skills to sustain and grow their projects. The conduct of the BWIC highlights the government’s recognition that training is a critical component in transforming livelihood assistance into viable and resilient sources of income.

In support of DOLE-NVFO, RTWPB II, through Mr. Darlo Battung, delivered a session on Productivity 101, emphasizing efficiency, quality improvement, and continuous innovation as key drivers of business success. The activity likewise featured a convergence of services from partner agencies, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) providing inputs on basic entrepreneurship to guide participants in business planning and market positioning, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) facilitated work values development to strengthen discipline and professionalism among beneficiaries.

Complementing these were sessions from DOLE-NVFO on emergency first aid, labor education, occupational safety and health (OSH), and simple bookkeeping, ensuring that participants are not only business-ready but also equipped with essential knowledge on workplace safety, workers’ rights, and financial management.

Through this collaborative initiative, RTWPB II and DOLE-NVFO reaffirm their commitment to advancing productivity and empowering workers by ensuring that livelihood beneficiaries are supported not only through financial assistance but also through comprehensive capacity-building. The BWIC stands as a testament to the government’s integrated approach to fostering sustainable enterprises and promoting inclusive economic development in the region. Anchored on the principle that “Pag Produktibo, Aasenso!”, the initiative highlights how productivity-driven interventions can pave the way for lasting progress among workers and communities.