Thanks to financial support provided by the Department of Labor and Employment, a young artist from Palo, Leyte can now pursue his dream and passion for the arts.
Connie Frances Fumar, a 21-year-old young painter, was recently provided by the department with a craft livelihood project worth around Php30,000 that would help him to improve his talent in painting and other forms of art.
The livelihood assistance will enable him to pursue his formal education at the Computer Learning College in Tacloban City where he is taking up Information Technology.
“Creativity helps us to think outside the box and thus enhances the use of innovation which is what we need to find solutions for the challenges that we are facing amid the pandemic. The labor department is thrilled to provide support for talented young artists like Connie,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
As a proof of his unique and artistic gift, Fumar created a masterpiece out of Secretary Bello’s portrait using rusts. When asked how he came up with the idea of using rust as his primary material in the said artwork, he said he just wanted to bring to a higher level his natural skill.
“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”, said Fumar.
“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”, DOLE Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario noted.
Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena, for his part, said DOLE gave Fumar tools and materials he needed to pursue his talent so that he can also earn income while enhancing his passion in creating arts.
“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”, said Jalbuena.
Fumar received the following during the simple turnover activity: jigsaw, wood, canvas cloths, nails, paints, wooden easel, paint brush set and other art materials.
Aside from the livelihood project, Fumar likewise received Php30,000 in stipend under the department’s Tabang OFW program since his mother was an OFW affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fumar expressed his gratitude to DOLE for all the help he received.
“I am very thankful to DOLE for helping me pursue what I love as an artist. Not only that, they also extended financial assistance so I can finish my studies despite the pandemic. These really inspire me to achieve the best I can”, Fumar added.
Source: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES