DOLE 10 announces employment programs for 2016

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611453878139/dole-10-announces-employment-programs-for-2016
• Wednesday, January 27, 2016

By Nelia Quijano (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10 through the media forum, Talakayan sa PIA on 26 January 2016 announces various programs slated for this year to boost employment in the region.

According to Albert E. Gutib, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE region 10, there are various programs of the department to help curb the unemployment rate in Northern Mindanao not only in the formal sector but also the informal sector.

Based from the data of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in 2014 and 2015, the unemployment rate in Northern Mindanao remained steady at 5.8% while the underemployment dropped from 31% to 22.6%. Meanwhile, the employment rate is at 94.2%.

Gutib underscored that the sector seen to have the biggest chunk of unemployment is the youth sector.

One of the programs the department is continuously advocating is the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) wherein poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths (OSYs) intending to pursue their education by encouraging employment during summer, Christmas vacation or any time of the year for students in the tertiary, technical or vocational level may work with pay.

Qualified students may work for a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of 52 days. He also noted that employers will pay 60% of the total salary of the student and the other 40% will be subsidized by DOLE.

Another program that DOLE is advocating is the Jobstart program through applying at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Right now, Cagayan de Oro City is the only one implementing in the region.

The beneficiaries of this programs are the youth, in partnership with Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cagayan de Oro City, Asian Development Bank, and Government of Canada. Furthermore, the beneficiaries will be trained three months and will be deployed at any offices and agencies for internship for another three months.

Gutib also invited those who wanted to avail the livelihood program through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) in the five provinces of region 10 particularly Malaybalay Bukidnoon, Villanueva, Kauswagan High-way in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, Oroqueta City and Mambajao, Camiguin. He noted that the allocation budget for this program is P35 million.

For the enforcement of labor standards, Gutib said that the joint assessment is still on going where 22 labor laws compliance officer are in charge of the evaluation. He also said that the approach of DOLE this time is developmental and any deficiency of the establishment, the department will give enough time to correct and assist the employers and workers.

Meanwhile, Atheneus Vasallo, chief of the Technical Support and Services Division said that DOLE is also supporting community based livelihood. This is the Emergency Employment or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). This is a packaged assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and unemployed poor.

Interested individuals or groups who want to avail of DOLE's programs may visit their regional office at Monte Carlo Building, RER Phase 1, Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City or call them at (08822) 727682.