CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed Wednesday some PHP20 million financial assistance to 4,741 marginalized Kapampangans.
The initiative is in line with the celebration of the 446th “Aldo Ning Kapampangan” festivities.
The event is also DOLE Central Luzon’s kick-off activity commemorating the labor agency’s 84th founding anniversary themed “Trabahong Marangal Para saLahat, Sabay Sabay Nating I-angat.”
DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione said the livelihood assistance was sourced from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, otherwise known as DILEEP.
“We are honored again to be an avenue of livelihood and employment opportunities to our Kabalens at the wake of the province of Pampanga’s 446th “Aldo Ning Kapampangan” festivities which also coincides with the 84th founding anniversary of the Department,” Dione said.
Out of the total financial assistance, some PHP4.7 million worth of livelihood projects have benefitted 451 marginalized individuals, majority of whom are from 23 various worker groups/associations from different parts of the province.
The projects include Bigasan at Tindahansa Barangay, Sampaguita project, sewing materials for bag-making, push cart for scavenging, internet and computer services shop, baking and pastries, and metal works.
Meanwhile, some PHP7.19 million in checks were distributed for the salaries of 1,893 marginalized individuals under the DOLE’s emergency employment program dubbed Tulong Panghanap-buhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
Other checks amounting to a total of PHP8.26 million were distributed to some 2,397 poor but deserving students under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
Technical Support and Service Division for Employment and Welfare head Alejandro Inza Cruz said that the amount represents the government’s 40 percent share for salaries of SPES beneficiaries.
Dione was joined by Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, and 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the distribution of the financial assistance to the marginalized Kapampangans.
Aside from the distribution of financial assistance, a memorandum of agreement on the province’s anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons (AIR-TIP) program was signed with concerned line agencies. (Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario/PNA)
