Close to 5,000 informal sector workers in the National Capital Region received aid in the form of bicycle units, livelihood, and cash-for-work from the labor department.
This after the DOLE-National Capital Region awarded assistance amounting to P59,183,722 to close to 5,000 beneficiaries in various parts of Metro Manila on Tuesday, September 21.
Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III graced the awarding ceremony in Pasay City where bicycle units, livelihood grants, and emergency employment wages were distributed to the workers.
Under the DOLE’s BikeCination Project, beneficiaries from the 16 cities and one municipality in NCR received bicycle units and mobile phone with load cards for their food delivery start-up amounting to a total of P21,177,522.
“Through these bicycle units, we aim to provide alternative source of income to informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have completed their vaccine against COVID-19. This is one incentive to encourage our workers to get vaccinated and to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic,” said Secretary Bello.
Under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, meanwhile, 3,551 informal sector workers from Marikina, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Manila were given temporary employment and subsequently received their wages amounting to P35,436,630.
Also, 330 beneficiaries received livelihood grants amounting to P2,569,570 under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
Among the beneficiaries are 250 members of Alyansa ng mga Nakakatanda sa Komunidad, Inc. for their food bank project amounting to P970,000; 60 women OFW returnees who are members of Development Action for Women Network Inc. for their sewing and pattern making project amounting to P999,570; and 20 beneficiaries of the Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart) amounting to P600,000.
Lastly, Secretary Bello reminded the grantees to use the DOLE assistance wisely.
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil ang mga ayudang ito ay pera ninyo. Sabi ni Presidente ang pera ng DOLE, pera ng tao. Kaya ang dapat ay ibigay ang pera sa mga tao. Iyong ibinigay namin sa inyo pangalagaan ninyo, gamitin ninyo sa tama,” he said.
Also gracing the ceremony are DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.
Source: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES