The Commission on Audit (COA) commended the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) programs that address the concerns of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) for 2021.
In its audit observation memorandum released recently, COA recognized, among others, DOLE’s employment facilitation of 3,176 PWD job seekers and 74,361 senior citizens.
COA also commended DOLE’s support to the elderlies and the differently-abled persons’ participation in union activities which recorded an almost 30 percent sectoral representation in the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council.
Under the Department’s labor relations program, 15,779 union officers and members, including senior citizens and PWDs, were provided with training under the Workers Organization and Development Program.
COA also cited DOLE’s accomplishments in assisting over 1 million workers, employers, and graduating students, including senior citizens and PWDs, through its Labor and Employment Education Services.
A total of 558 PWDs and 1,475 senior citizens were given livelihood assistance amounting to P9.5 million and P23 million, respectively, under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
COA likewise recogized the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disdvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program which assisted 2,791 PWDs and 53,837 senior citizens with P16 million and P258 million cash aid.
The Department’s legal service to 49 senior citizens and six PWDs on employment and other labor issues through the DOLE-Public Assistance and Complaints Unit likewise earned COA’s nod.
Lastly, COA lauded DOLE’s public awareness activities, such as publishing news releases in print and online media, for “creating awareness on the assistance for senior citizens and PWDs amid the pandemic.”
“We commend the [DOLE] management’s regular activities, plans, programs, and projects that address the concerns of the senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” COA said.
The COA, through Audit Observation Memorandum No. 2022-09, has recognized the compliance of the Department with Section 33 of the General Provisions of Republic Act No. 1158 or the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
“We have come a long way in our journey towards realizing our responsibility as duty bearers for society’s marginalized and vulnerable sectors. By implementing our programs for our elderlies and differently-abled persons, we are one in recognizing their competence, empowering them, and enhancing their capabilities as we strive towards creating a more inclusive labor force,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
Bello urged the various services, bureaus, and regional offices of the Department to continuously strengthen the implementation of its programs and services and ensure inclusivity to effectively respond to the concerns and needs of senior citizens and PWDs.
Source: Republic of Philippines Department Of Foreign Affairs