TACLOBAN CITY — A young artist from Palo, Leyte, was awarded a livelihood grant by the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 (DOLE-8) through its North Leyte Field Office to pursue his artistic interest.
On October 12 at the DOLE Regional Office, none other than DOLE Assistant Secretary Victor A. Del Rosario, assisted by Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena, presented Connie Frances Fumar with the arts and crafts livelihood grant worth approximately P30,000.
Fumar, 21, is currently enrolled in his second year of college at AMA Computer Learning College in Tacloban City, studying information technology.
Fumar used rusts to create a masterpiece out of DOLE Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello's portrait, demonstrating his one-of-a-kind and artistic ability. When asked how he came up with using rust as the primary material in the said artwork, he stated that he simply wanted to elevate his artistic talent.
"I know I have the skill, but I thought I can still bring it to the next level by using a material that others may just take for granted like rusts from the metals and other scrap materials," Fumar explained.
ASec. Del Rosario was awestruck by Fumar's works and encouraged him to be more passionate about his passions.
"I really am in awe how rusts can be turned into a great work of art, and I hope you will continue doing your craft more passionately and inspire others to pursue their natural talents," Del Rosario said.
Director Jalbuena stated that DOLE provided Fumar with tools and materials to earn money while honing his artistic abilities.
"We are hitting two birds with one stone here. With this livelihood grant, Connie can pursue and enhance his craft while earning and making a living," Jalbuena explained.
Fumar was given the following items during the turnover activity: a jigsaw, wood, canvas cloths, nails, paints, a wooden easel, a paintbrush set, and other art supplies.
Apart from the livelihood grant, Fumar received a P30,000 stipend from the department's Tabang OFW program because his mother was a COVID-19 pandemic affected OFW.
Fumar expressed his appreciation to DOLE for giving him an artistic grant.
"I am very thankful to DOLE for helping me pursue what I love as an artist. Not only that, but they also extended financial assistance so I could finish my studies despite the pandemic. These really inspire me to achieve the best I can," Fumar concluded.
Mr. Norman L. Uyvico, the head of DOLE-NLFO, was also present to facilitate the awarding of livelihood. —Tacloban News Update (with reports from Norma Rae S. Costimiano and DOLE-NLFO/PRESS RELEASE)