Duterte promotes livelihood, peace programs 

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has underscored the need to boost livelihood and peace programs to help boost tourism recovery in Negros Occidental province, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

Vice President Sara Duterte made the statement as she joined the 116th founding anniversary and Tourism Recovery Jumpstart of Kabankalan City.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the OVP said Duterte told the Kabankalan City officials to avail of its livelihood and peace programs.

“Please let us know how we can help you in jumpstarting your tourism recovery program. Andam mi nakuha tag og suporta sa inyong siyudad (We are ready to provide support here in your city),” she said.

Duterte said this covers financial assistance, particularly for the women workers or members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, intersex, plus (LGBTQAI ) community.

Duterte refers to the launch of Magnegosyo ‘Ta Day! (MTD) in San Pedro, Laguna province last March 8.

The MTD was patterned after her local project in Davao City during her term as mayor.

The OVP earlier said that under MTD, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to a grant of PHP20,000 capital.

Beneficiaries shall also undergo basic business management training to engage in livestock, sari-sari stores, goat dispersal, native chicken and mini-meat processing.

Moreover, the OVP said the local government unit can also utilize the office’s peace program.

“Peace 911 is also something that you can access here because we have the budget and the funding to assist you in your peace initiatives,” Duterte said.

She also cited Davao City as an example, where Peace 911 was utilized to combat insurgency.

Duterte said adequate livelihood and peace in an area contribute to its tourism vibrance.

“This will open great opportunities for Kabankalan —with tourism being the key pillar in your economic growth,” she said.

Under the Marcos administration, the tourism sector is deemed necessary to uplift the country’s economy, as it targets to improve the Philippines’ standing, not only in Southeast Asia but also in global tourism.