Kapampangans receive over P20-M DOLE financial aid

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Some 4,741 marginalized Kapampangans from different parts of Pampanga province on Wednesday received P20,239,612.56 financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment ( DOLE) .

The financial assistance, initiated by the DOLE and Provincial Government of Pampanga, was distributed at the Pampanga Capitol Grounds during the start of the 446th “Aldo Ning Kapampangan” festi vi ti es.

The event is also DOLE Central Luzon’s kick-off activity commemorating the labor agency’s 84th Founding Anniversary anchoring the theme “Trabahong Marangal Para sa Lahat, Sabay Sabay Nating Iangat.”

DOLERegional Director Atty. Ana Dione said that the livelihood aid was sourced from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, otherwise known as DI LEEP.

“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.

“We are hopeful that our financial assistance for various livelihood projects as well as programs for emergency or youth employment will bring a better future for our beneficiaries and their dependents.”

Of the total financial assistance, around P4,785,000 benefited some 451 marginalized individuals, majority of whom are from 23 various worker groups/associations from different parts of the province.

The livelihood projects include Bigasan at Tindahan sa Barangay, Sampaguita Project, Sewing Materials for BagMaking, Push Cart for Scavenging, Internet and Computer Services Shop, Baking and Pastries, and Metal Works.

Meanwhile, checks amounting to P7,193,400 were distributed for the salaries of 1,893 marginalized individuals under the DOLE’s emergency employment program dubbed Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD.

Last but not least, checks amounting to P8,261,212.51 were distributed to some 2,397 poor but deserving students under the Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES.

Technical Support and Service Division for Employment and Welfare head Alejandro Inza Cruz said that the SPES checks represent government’s 40 percent share for salaries of SPES beneficiaries.

Dione, pitching for Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, joined Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in distributing the financial assistance.

Accompanying the provincial governor and vice governor were members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pampanga and other Local Chief Executives from various cities and municipalities.

Also present are Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Deputy Director Jocelyn Sanchez, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration III Director Ma. Lourdes Reyes, and DOLE Pampanga Field Office head Arlene Tolentino.

The Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO), under PESO Manager Luningning Vergara, along with other city and municipal PESOs were in full force to provide their assistance during the event.

Aside from the distribution of financial assistance, a Memorandum of Agreement on the province’s Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons or AIR-TIP program was signed with concerned line agencies.

The Provincial Government of Pampanga also donated a service van for the University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga or UPDEPP.