MOA signed on non-wage benefits for workers

Calamba City — In line with the directives of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to implement pro-poor programs, the Regional Inter-Agency committee (RIAC) on the non-wage benefits spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) recently with 43 companies regionwide aimed at helping workers to cope up with the increasing prices of basic commodities and petroleum products.

Secretary Marianito D. Roque of DOLE, together with Laguna Governor Teresita S. Lazaro graced and witnessed the signing of MOA on non-wage benefits for workers such as: rice distribution; botika ng barangay para sa manggagawa; livelihood program; scholarship grants and student loan program; PGMA training; and day care and lactation centers.

Secretary Roque said that providing the workers with non-wage benefits would lessen the impact of soaring prices of basic commodities for their families. These benefits provide them a buffer from worrying while at work.

Moreover, he commended the 43 private companies in responding immediately to DOLE’s call for support for non-wage benefits program. He also praised the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for their efforts to enjoin employers to participate and support in the program to sustain workers productivity and efficiency.

Meanwhile, Governor Lazaro cited DOLE and the regional committee for this kind of program and assured them of her full support to ease workers from economic difficulties brought about by the increasing prices of fuel and food.

Workers were informed that they could avail the program immediately after the MOA has been signed. Some 39,000 workers in Calabarzon are expected to benefit from the “Bigasang Bayan” and “Botika ng Manggagawa” programs.

The RIAC is composed of national government agencies in Calabarzon to include: the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Departmentof Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, National Food Authority, National Economic Authority, DOLE and others.(PIA Otiron)