The Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Island Region recognized outstanding livelihood beneficiaries, partners, and field personnel during the 2026 Regional Kabuhayan Awards in Dumaguete City Sept. 25.
The awards ceremony highlighted the achievements of individuals and groups, whose DOLE-assisted livelihood projects have contributed to income generation and strengthened local communities across the NIR.
Under the Best DOLE Assisted Livelihood Project individual category, Gilda Lozada of La Castellana, Negros Occidental was named the regional winner for her goat-raising project and received P25,000 in cash prize. Gonalive Dela Cruz Jr. of Siquijor, Siquijor was first runner-up for his retailing of agrivet supplies project and received P15,000.
In the group category, the Salong Farmers Association of Bindoy, Negros Oriental emerged as regional winner for its corn mill project and received P50,000. The Caridad I Agriculture Cooperative of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental was first runner-up for its rice retailing and grocery store, and bagged P30,000. The Siquijor West Terminal Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of Siquijor, Siquijor was second runner-up for its motorparts retailing project and received P20,000, the DOLE-NIR said Sept. 26.
The DOLE-NIR also recognized its partners and field personnel.
The Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas Multi-Purpose Cooperative of San Juan, Siquijor was named Best Co-Partner-Implementing DILP and received P20,000.
For field performance, Raizza Phoebe Rubia of the Negros Oriental Field Office was recognized as top performing provincial/field office TUPAD focal, while Elmer Gimay of the Negros Occidental Field Office received the award for top performing provincial/field office livelihood focal. ||
