Hampers ‘Build, Build, Build’ program

THE shortage of skilled workers was a hindrance to the implementation of bigticket infrastructure projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted Thursday, February 14.

In a speech delivered in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Duterte said the government’s infrastructure projects are facing delay because of lack of skilled workers.

“Itong ‘Build, Build, Build,’ medyo atrasado. Walang trabahante (We lack skilled workers, causing delay in the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program),” he said during the proclamation and kick-off rally of his political party, Partido Demokratikong Pilipinolakas ng Bayan.

Duterte’s admission came amid the influx of Chinese nationals who ended up as workers in the country, most of them ended up getting jobs from the construction industry.

Malacañang had said the growing number of Chinese migrant workers in the Philippines should not be a cause for concern, if they have undergone a “lawful” process.

Malacañang had also explained that more Chinese workers had to be hired, because Filipinos skilled to construction works opt to seek jobs overseas.

In a press conference held Friday, February 15, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the current administration, through

The activity, attended by about 115 IPS, also showcased the actual weaving of pandan and abaca.

For the Dagyaw group, they showcased a 48-foot snack table filled with food and delicacies like the “Purple Rice Passion” made of sticky rice with ube topping, cream and cheese, siomai, “linupak” made of banana, and cassava ball, among others.

Osmeña-orbida said the women-members really cook well, they just need support to tap more clients.

In response, the LGU has already expressed the intention to establish a showroom for Alayon and Dagyaw products and services.

Once realized, Osmeña-orbida said this would serve as a sustainable “space” for the IP and women groups to promote their products and generate more income and livelihood opportunities for their members.

“Aside from capacitating the groups, promote their products and attracting potential buyers, the activity has also empowered their members,” she said, stressing that “this is not purely business, but a social enterprise because there is caring for the environment and preservation of cultural practices components.”

Moreover, after the launching, Dagyaw was able to have booked for catering service in April.

The IPS, on the other hand, has obtained support from the Philippine Fiber Development Authority in the form of abaca and pandan seedlings and product development interventions.

“Peacepond as a learning site accredited by the Department of Agricultureagricultural Training Institute, through this endeavor, is able to incorporate its programs on environmental protection and conservation, sustainable development, organic, and natural farming method,” Osmeña-orbida said.

Meanwhile, also present during the activity were representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry, National Commission on Indigenous People, and Provincial Tourism Office, among others.*