The Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Office I gears up for stronger program implementation in its bid to help in the recovery efforts of the government from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“As we gradually ease up on restrictions to open the economy, we aim to become even more responsive to the needs of our various clients,” newly installed DOLE-RO I Regional Director Evelyn R. Ramos said. 

It can be recalled that since the country has been placed under a state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic starting March 8, 2020, government agencies including the DOLE focused on the implementation of urgent measures to prevent the spread of the disease and provide immediate assistance to most vulnerable sectors.

For this year, the DOLE-RO I aims to provide 1,984 youth with temporary employment under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES); refer 55,000 qualified jobseekers for placement through PESOs; and reach 150,000 individuals through labor market information.  

To ensure protection of workers’ rights and maintain industrial peace, the DOLE-RO I targets at least 70 percent settlement rate of con-med cases; 100 percent disposition rate of labor cases; and 70 and 50 percent enforcement rates of decisions/orders on Certification Election and Labor Standards Cases, respectively.  At least 2,280 establishments will be inspected under its Enforcement Program; 7,319 workers, employers and students will be reached by the Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES); 130 workers will be trained and 1 scholarship will be provided under the Workers Organization and Development Program (WODP). 

More vulnerable workers will benefit from the Department’s social protection programs, as at least 478 informal sector workers will be provided with livelihood interventions; 176,609 individuals will be engaged in its Emergency Employment Program or Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD); and 618 youth will be assisted under the Government Internship Program (GIP). At least 6,843 child laborers will be referred for appropriate services under the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL). 

“I will continue what has been started by RD Lacambra and look for opportunities to improve our service delivery,” RD Ramos said during the turn-over rites at the EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort, San Juan, La Union on February 15.  END/Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez with report from TSSD