From Bananas to Business Success
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Emily P. Tuazon’s Banana Chips Project brought home a 2nd Runner-up distinction in the Individual Category for Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood, giving a familiar local product a place in the regional spotlight. The recognition shows how a straightforward food-based enterprise can become a source of livelihood when paired with commitment and entrepreneurial effort. Rather than simply providing short-term assistance, DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program is designed to help disadvantaged workers establish or strengthen income-generating activities. Tuazon’s award places a personal livelihood story among the projects recognized through the region’s 2026 search for successful DOLE-assisted ventures.
A Cooperative With More Than One Road to Income
The Modelong Tricycle Drivers in Gensan Transport Cooperative also earned 2nd Runner-up in the Group Category for Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood through its Rice and Auto Supply Retailing project. The project presents an interesting combination of everyday necessities, bringing together rice retailing with products connected to vehicle needs. For transport workers, developing an additional enterprise can create another avenue for cooperative members to participate in income-generating activities. Its regional recognition also demonstrates that livelihood initiatives can take different forms, from food processing at the individual level to group-based enterprises built around the practical needs of a working community.
Two Stories, One Bigger Livelihood Picture
General Santos City’s two awardees were joined in the recognition by beneficiaries and supporters, including City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, who participated in receiving the awards. Their accomplishments add a local dimension to DOLE’s wider Kabuhayan effort, which supports individual and group livelihood ventures through assistance intended to help create or strengthen sustainable income sources. DOLE has previously described the program as including livelihood formation, enhancement, and restoration, depending on the needs of beneficiaries. For GenSan, the two 2026 regional awardees offer different examples of how livelihood assistance can develop into ventures with enough progress and promise to receive recognition beyond the city.
