Friday, 21 June 2024

Economic opportunities thrive in Caraga on Araw ng Kalayaan

BUTUAN CITY - Workers and beneficiaries from the informal and formal sectors in Caraga region seized the day with hope for opportunities provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga in conducting various labor and employment activities in line with the celebration of the 126th Araw ng Kalayaan on June 12.

Focusing on the economic growth of both informal and formal sectors, DOLE Caraga successfully organized a series of activities, including a Job Fair, Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Payout, Livelihood Grants Release, Government Internship Program (GIP) salary release, and Kadiwa ng Pangulo.

The main highlight of the celebration was the Kalayaan Job Fair, which brought unemployed individuals closer to employment opportunities. A total of 169 jobseekers were hired on the spot out of 530 registered applicants, resulting in a placement rate of 31.89 percent.

The department extended its services to far-flung areas in the region, assisting 10,831 TUPAD beneficiaries who received their salaries for their 10-15 days of temporary work employment, amounting to over P52 million. Additionally, 493 groups and individuals received livelihood grants under DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), totaling over P14 million worth of starter kits.

Several established DILP livelihood beneficiaries and associations participated in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, showcasing locally produced products. A total of 69 farmers and fisherfolk associations and MSMEs took part in the event.

DOLE also provides opportunities for youth employment through the Government Internship Program (GIP), offering a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months of employment. Earlier, some 414 interns received their salaries for the month of May.

Furthermore, DOLE commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor, focusing on protecting the welfare of child laborers in the region. Goods provision and fulfilling the wishes of profiled child laborers were granted through the Project Angel Tree in partnership with various stakeholders. Parents of child laborers were also provided with livelihood and emergency employment opportunities.

DOLE remains committed to proactively assisting the informal sector in transitioning to formal sectors and sustaining their economic status, with strong collaborations with other government agencies and local government units in the region. [KKVD, LIO, DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga]