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DOLE: Aid for displaced OFWs also for local workers

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 01/07/2009 7:31 PM

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reiterated that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced by the global economic crisis can avail of livelihood assistance or find another job locally or abroad under its contingency plan.

Likewise, DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque stressed that the same assistance also applies to local workers who have lost their employment.

The DOLE chief asked affected OFWs to seek assistance from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) in Intramuros, Manila or at the regional branches of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

On the other hand, affected local workers could go straight to the nearest regional or provincial DOLE office for assistance.

Roque said the assistance involves helping workers set up livelihood or income-generating projects or finding them employment here or abroad.

Workers who prefer to engage in business undertakings would be initially granted an assistance package consisting of entrepreneurship counseling, entrepreneurship training, and access to equipment.
 
An accredited co-partner (ACP) of the DOLE would provide the assistance to the workers, Roque said. He added that the initial assistance could be enhanced if the beneficiary wants to.

Both DOLE and the OWWA have expressed its readiness to assist OFWs and local workers who want to form business or livelihood cooperatives. He said that a workers' coop would be granted loans depending on the number of its members.
 
He said the mechanism aims to develop the capability of the workers to collectively start and manage a business or livelihood undertaking, adding the beneficiaries would be assisted to form a project management team, which will direct and supervise the daily operation of their business.
 
At the same time, the NRCO and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would provide the necessary assistance to OFWs as well as local workers wanting to find another employment overseas.
 
Those who want local employment, on the other hand, can seek assistance from the Bureau of Local Employment or at the nearest DOLE office.