Job caravan, livelihood forum set in Itogon

government agencies in the region are set to conduct a livelihood forum cum job caravan on October 24 at the Alejo Pacalso Memorial National High School in Bua, Itogon for individuals and families affected by Typhoon Ompong.

The activity is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to regional line agencies in the region with mandate on livelihood and economic development and entrepreneurship to converge efforts in assisting primarily individuals and families affected by the landslide disaster in Ucab, Itogon as well as other typhoon victims.

Part of the one-day event will be a “Diskwento Caravan” where basic commodities will be offered for sale at discounted prices. The National Food Authority will also set up rolling stores.

The Philippine Export Zone Authority committed to bring two of its locators (Convergys & Sitel Baguio) in the Job Caravan & Livelihood forum.

George Lubin Jr. of the Department of Labor and Employment Cordillera reported that DOLE, in coordination with the local government of Itogon , will provide a total of 1,250 emergency employment where workers would get P320 per day for 15 days.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau will hire 280 protection officers who will manage the 245 hectares identified as bamboo plantation sites in Itogon, according to Engr. Salvador Genitiano. Those hired he said will be organized into a cooperative by the Cooperative Development Authority.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) OIC Regional Director Manuel Ong said TESDA will give scholarships to 300 persons using its 2018 budget.

The scholars are provided with transportation allowance and meals. Their assessment fee will be shouldered by Forest House, Wong added

A skills training for

metal construction, carpentry, masonry, and electrical installation will also start on Oct. 24 following the signing of MOA with the local government of Itogon.

After completion of the training, those granted skills certification will be referred to partner business establishments of TESDA like Tiong San department store chain and other companies in Metro Manila .

Wong added that as of Oct. 10, a total of 2,900 interested trainees have registered at the agency’s ‘Blue Desk” in Itogon. The TESDA will do a shortlist to prioritize the seriously affected families.

DTI Baguio-Benguet Provincial Director Freda Gawisan said they will set up a Negosyo Center in Itogon for those who want to start a business and aid them with skills on managing a business.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to profile the victims in Itogon for appropriate assistance.