The Office of Vice President Leni Robredo is exploring more ways to support farmers and weavers in Kiangan, Ifugao, as part of its efforts to help boost livelihood opportunities and uplift the lives in communities around the country.

During her visit to Kiangan on Wednesday, Jan. 30, VP Leni met with bell pepper farmers who were linked by her office to the Jollibee Group Foundation, for its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program. The social responsibility arm of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) trains local farmers in agro-enterprise development and good agricultural practices, as it aims to give them an opportunity to supply to corporate buyers under their company.

Now known as the Mah-lun Ikiyangan Association, the group of bell pepper farmers has been accredited as a supplier for JFC. They are expected to deliver the first batch of their produce for market testing in a few months.

VP Leni also sat down with the members of the Kiyyangan Weavers Association, who were assisted by the OVP through its Livelihood and Training Subsidy. It was a special treat for the Vice President to see the weavers in action, as she has been wearing traditional textiles in support of weaving communities.

In keeping with her office’s continued commitment to support the weavers, the OVP will be looking into finding partners who can train locals to make fashion jewelry—an initiative aimed at encouraging the youth of Kiangan to learn weaving as well.

Aside from initiatives to support the town’s livelihood, VP Leni’s office and its Angat Buhay partners turned over a two-classroom building and ICT equipment for Duit Elementary School, which will be moving into a new permanent site after its buildings in the original location were deemed unsafe for occupancy. The classrooms were donated by Philam Foundation and LBC Foundation, while Roëdl Philippines donated equipment, including smart TVs, a laptop, a printer, a projector, and sound bars, that may be used in class.

Kiangan is one of the 50 pilot areas selected by the OVP when it launched its Angat Buhay anti-poverty program in 2016. Its local government unit is part of the Bridging Leadership Program being offered by the office, in its bid to empower proactive LGUs for better governance.