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| THE Nego-kart are undergoing finishing touches in Barangay Gabu, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on January 14, 2016. (Reu Dawner Flores) |
Mizpah Grace G. Castro
PGIN-CMO
True to its goal of providing sustainable livelihoods for Ilocanos, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) began orientation and training for beneficiaries of Manang Imee's NegoKart Express on January 15 at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium.
Partnering with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PGIN through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), is set to launch this project in Ilocos Norte by next month, hence the need to orient and train beneficiaries on production skills and business management.
The project will cover the costs of a vending cart, accessory livelihood tools, and capital for procurement or production of marketable goods. Through this program, the beneficiaries will also be able to travel conveniently to different locations to sell their goods like fruits and vegetables as well as street foods.
PESO Officer in Charge Lizette Bitancor explained, "Governor Imee Marcos wants to prioritize the ambulant vendors beside Marcos Stadium so that the public will be assured of the safety and cleanliness of the food they buy in the area."
The Nego-Kart (Negosyo sa Kariton) Express was pioneered by DOLE in 2009 to assist low-income ambulant vendors in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs. Another goal of the project is to bring the income level of vendors up to par with that of minimum wage earners.
The sustainability of the Nego-Kart Express is in line with Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos' view on true economic and social development reflected in her last State of the Province Address, "Here in Ilocos Norte, social services must go beyond payouts, and push towards cash-for-work and for business."