The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) recently held discussions with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in Calabarzon to expand livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk in Lian, Batangas. PCUP Commissioner Reynaldo Galupo (left) met with DoLE Regional Director Atty. Roy Buenafe to strengthen support for the Samahang Damayan sa Matabungkay Multipurpose Cooperative (SDMMC) in Barangay Matabungkay. Earlier, Galupo and his team, including PCUP’s livelihood chief, held a roundtable discussion with SDMMC officers, who requested further livelihood support for their fishing-based cooperative in this tourist area. Galupo shared that a government-owned corporation has committed to donate boats to the community, aiding in the cooperative’s livelihood enhancement program. He also emphasized the need to expand resources for the cooperative, initially funded by DoLE, to ensure sustainable income for the community. The SDMMC, comprising nearly a hundred families, resides on lands reportedly owned by the Department of Tourism in Barangay Matabungkay. Buenafe welcomed PCUP’s efforts and highlighted both agencies’ commitment to sustainable economic support for underserved communities. He added that DoLE will begin direct engagement with SDMMC once the necessary paperwork is finalized by mid-November. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
