DOLE, ILO to set up emergency employment for Yolanda-displaced workers

Workers displaced from areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda can now look for emergency job opportunities at any Public Employment Services Offices near them.

“After they have settled, and if they wish to search for new jobs, I urge them to go to the nearest PESO in their areas and register," said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz on Sunday.

Baldoz said PESO desks nationwide have been alerted to prioritize displaced workers who are seeking jobs, particularly those from Eastern Visayas—Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Western Samar provinces—who may have left these places to start their lives afresh.

Earlier on Friday, the Labor Secretary said that the emergency employment program will benefit more than 12,000 workers from Yolanda-affected areas, with 10,670 coming from Leyte alone. The P50-million project will dole out the minimum wage of P260 for those provinces, which will total P3,900 for 15 days.

Employment opportunities from this program may include jobs such as construction and clearing debris. Those who now have access to the internet may also search  for existing job openings through the government's job portal.

Another cash-for-work program was put into place last week by the International Labor Organization (ILO), as part of the United Nations' $301-million relief aid. The employment opportunities will "help rebuild the community infrastructure, including local markets, roads, drainage, access paths, and debris clearance."

The UN estimates that 5.1 million workers in 36 provinces have been affected by the loss of livelihood due to Yolanda. — RT/BM, GMA News