WITH the impending closure of small-scale mining in Benguet Province, affected residents of Typhoon Ompong will be the recipients of labor-related jobs the government will offer.
Displaced small-scale miners and residents of Itogon may avail of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) Program or the Emergency Employment Program (EEP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in the region.
“The emergency employment program of DOLE will depend on the available work needed by the local government unit wherever they would be relocated. What we are doing now is coordinating with the LGU’s and in the next 24 hours, we will have to know where the evacuees are for us to know what specific coordination we should do with the particular LGU,” said DOLE-CAR assistant regional director Elpidio Ataol Jr.
Public works programs on clearing of canals, street sweeping, painting repair works among others may be offered to affected individuals who will be given a minimum wage.
“This emergency employment program is limited to 10 days for them to have something to spend for their food requirements among others but other livelihood projects on a medium term basis upon their formal relocation will be offered to,” Ataol added.
The livelihood programs would depend on the needs of the beneficiaries after they are organized, and identification of specific business or work they prefer.