Demonstrating the Marcos administration’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 (DOLE-RO8) awarded over PHP 4.2 million in grants to 12 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Eastern Visayas through its Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).
AMP supports MSMEs through funding business projects that can improve their workers’ skills and adapt to economic disruptions and emerging employment and business opportunities.
The awarding ceremony highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses and reinforce community livelihoods amid economic challenges.
The grants were formally turned over by DOLE-RO8 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan N. Noya-Nidua, joined by Atty. Cecilio I. Baleña, DOLE-AMP Regional Focal Person, and other regional officials. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed with each beneficiary enterprise, formalizing their participation in the program.
In her remarks, Atty. Noya-Nidua emphasized AMP’s role in enhancing enterprise competitiveness and sustaining employment, aligning with the Bagong Pilipinas agenda’s focus on agile governance and economic resilience.
“Through this program, we aim to improve the competitiveness of our local enterprises so they remain viable and relevant amidst economic challenges,” she stated.
Recipients include DJ Printing Services and Sports Apparel (Biliran), Pasar Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Juanito Eco Farm School for Practical Agriculture, For U Leather Products, and Balay Ni Tatay Farm (Leyte), as well as Bontoc Multipurpose Cooperative and Gawisan Abaca Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (Southern Leyte).
In Samar, Francine’s Grill, MLS Food Processing, Shirley Food Processing, Super Jed Food Processing, and the Northern Samar Fishermen Cooperative also received funding.
Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the support, noting its direct impact on operations and workforce stability.
“We are thankful to DOLE because finally, employers can access grants from the government through the AMP. This support will greatly boost our operations and benefit our workers,” said Dr. Floro “Junji” Camenforte, owner of Balay Ni Tatay Farm.
Through AMP and other initiatives under DOLE’s comprehensive strategy to mitigate economic shocks, DOLE continues to champion inclusive growth, job preservation, and enterprise development, ensuring that all Filipinos can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
