DOLE, ILO to provide P3.3M in livelihood funds for Zambo residents

At least 662 residents of Zamboanga City affected by fighting between government and Moro National Liberation Front forces last month will benefit from a P3.3-million livelihood program to be implemented in November.

 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the 662 are graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's skills training programs.

 

"We estimate an amount of P3.306 million for the provision of livelhood starter kits to the graduates of TESDA's skills training. The 662 are all affected by the Zamboanga City crisis last month," DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said. 

 

She said the livelihood program is a joint effort of the DOLE, the International Labor Organization (ILO), TESDA, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Zamboanga City government.

 

Baldoz also instructed DOLE Regional Director Sisinio Cano to increase to 15 the number of working days beneficiaries of the DOLE emergency employment program will work, so they can increase their source of income.

 

The DOLE said beneficiaries of the livelihood starter kits trained in various skills under TESDA, and will be given livelhood starter kits depending on the livelihood they chose.

 

For 115 graduates of training on the production of novelty items, the DOLE will provide them P5,000 in livelihood starter kits.

 

Some 142 graduates of massage therapy/reflexology will be given P3,000 each in starter kits.

 

About 95 haircutting graduates will get P3,000 each.

 

On the other hand, 100 graduates in the construction trades such as masonry, plumbing, electricity and welding will get P10,000 each.

 

Meanwhile, 80 graduates in mat-weaving and 40 graduates on bibingka-making will each receive P3,000 in starter kits.

 

Another 80 graduates who trained in food processing will get P7,000 each. 10 graduates of vinta sail-making will get P10,000 each.

 

Baldoz said the DOLE, ILO and the Zamboanga Industry Tripartite Council will monitor the implementation of the emergency employment and livelihood programs on occupational safety and health to ensure adherence to OSH standards and prevent accidents.

 

"We will conduct the OSH monitoring twice a month," she said. – KDM, GMA News