Negocc, Northern Territory to create ‘digital bridge’

NEGROS Occidental and the Northern Territories in Australia will create a “digital bridge” to connect the two local governments, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said on Monday, November 14.

Diaz, who was with the province’s delegation led by Eugenio Jose Lacson for a one-week official trip in Australia last week, said the most important reason for their visit to Darwin “was to check on the condition of the scholars the provincial government sent to study and work there.”

“We found out they are doing well and highly regarded in the community and schools. They also do volunteer work in various groups and they are well adapted in Darwin,” he said.

In terms of income, Diaz said, they are doing two to three jobs because many establishments are still closed due to Covid-19 pandemic.

“They remained closed because they don’t have the workforce like in bars, cafe’s and health-related establishments. There is a lot of gap in availability of manpower ,” he added.

Diaz said there is a big opportunity for Negrenses.

“We used to dream of going to Manila and trying to be successful there. Now the future generations can dream bigger and go to Australia and the world will be available to them,” he added.

The provincial governcity ment will make sure that the scholars are supported like in their tuition fees which they can’t afford, he added.

There are already 10 scholars there from two batches and the provincial government will send additional 15 students next year, he said.

Diaz said the processing and screening for qualifications purposes will be improved by the provincial government.

Many of them work in restaurants, teaching and healthcare, he said.

“You will be amazed by their salaries there. During weekdays they get paid at A$24 in an hour, A$42 in an hour on Saturdays and A$64 in an hour on Sundays,” Diaz said, adding that “your income depends on how hard you work.”*