Manila, May 1 -- In line with its mission to combat poverty through sustainable livelihood, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released PHP36.05 million in grants to support 1,422 vulnerable individuals in Western Visayas during the Labor Day celebration on Thursday.

The distribution of funds was highlighted during the event's opening at Robinsons Place Iloilo, where seven livelihood projects from Iloilo and Guimaras received a combined PHP11.3 million.

These initiatives, set to benefit 318 recipients, include fish and rice trading, community and sari-sari stores, dishwashing liquid production, and farm machinery services.

Simultaneous grant releases took place across other provinces in the region, further extending support...