The Department of Labor and Employment—Bicol (DOLE-5) has collaborated with the region's Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-5) and other agencies on a project to improve the socioeconomic status of informal food vendors in this city.

In an interview on Wednesday, DOLE-Bicol spokesperson Johana Vi Gasga stated that the "Pagkaing Oragon" project aims to elevate and transform the image of hardworking street food vendors by promoting safe food handling strategies.

Gasga noted that street food consumption is typical, as it only offers convenient and affordable food items; however, it is also a source of income for many, saying that there are around 80 recipients being served for the project.

DOLE-5 regional director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita, meanwhile, explained that the main goal of the project is to help remove the stigma when it comes to the "hepa lanes," which makes people afraid of contracting food-borne diseases like hepatitis due to unhygienic food preparation.

She added that the "Pagkaing Oragon" aims to promote a safe one-stop destination in Albay province.