General Santos City — At least 25 jobless wives of soldiers belonging to the Army’s 512nd Engineering Battalion received livelihood assistance for slippers production from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
DOLE provincial chief Patricio Blanza said the beneficiaries underwent capability building training conducted by Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) Hesed Foundation in order to improve their skills on slipper manufacturing.
He said each beneficiary was provided with a sewing machine worth P5,000 to be used in making slippers, which will be made out of indigenous materials.
Sister Susan Bolanio, executive director of the OND Hesed Foundation, said their group will help the beneficiaries in marketing of the manufactured local slippers.
She said each beneficiary is expected to receive at least an additional income of P200 per day from the production of slippers.
She added that the slippers will be sold to the soldiers assigned around the South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos area.

Source: Manila Bulletin - July 16, 2013