The Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio, through the office of Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, conducted a seminar-workshop for displaced transport workers in the city to orient them about various job opportunities they can venture in.
Weygan-Allan encouraged the participants to think of new strategies that will enable their businesses or livelihood to thrive in the new normal.
The Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) was invited to present their programs to the displaced workers.
The DOLE provides assistance to the marginalized and vulnerable working sector. This program aims to generate jobs for poor Filipino people.
Clarissa Lyca Vizcarra, DOLE Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) & Livelihood Focal-LEO III, presented the DOLE Livelihood Integrated Program. This program offers a start-up capital for capacity building for the livelihood of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers, either individually or by group.
This includes livelihood projects for the following groups: micro livelihood of 15-25 workers (up to Php 250, 000), small livelihood of 26-50 workers (up to Php 500, 000) and medium livelihood of more than 50 workers can avail up to P1,000,000.00 of assistance from the department worth of equipment, materials and tools.
This assistance does not require fees to be paid after the business profits.
Vizcarra clarified that the grant does not involve monetary assistance, but the department offers provision of materials and equipment needed to run a business.
The DOLE officer reminded the participants to be innovative especially in this time of pandemic.
Pointers were likewise given on how to create an effective project proposal and/or business plan. This is a requirement when seeking assistance from the DOLE. Majority of those who have tried to apply for the grant do not know how to create a business proposal, she said.
The transport groups were advised to register with the DOLE before they can submit their business proposal. The business proposals they made during the workshop may be adopted and submitted to the DOLE-CAR for consideration.
For more information about the grant, you may visit the official website of DOLE Baguio Benguet: https://bwsc.dole.gov.ph/programs-and-projects-submenu1/dileep.html -Kristine Sibayan
