DOLE, DOE to jointly conduct third Serbisyo Caravan for displaced workers

To strengthen the delivert of the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), the Department of Labor and Employment in partnership with the Department of Energy and the United Brotherhood of Uniformed Personnel will jointly conduct the Third Serbisyo Caravan for Displaced Workers at Building 64, Celery St., FTI Complex, Taguig City tomorrow, July 25, 2009 from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Third Serbisyo Caravan offers a different menu of programs and services that will provide employment, welfare and livelihood opportunities for displaced and disadvantaged workers and their families. The project is in response to the directive of President Arroyo to formulate strategies to address the impact of the global economic downturn which is still far from over.

The crisis recently affected workers of Triumph International, Star Performance Co. and Goodyear Philippines located in Muntaparlas areas whose respective managements decided to close down in August displacing about 1,700 workers. As a way of helping the displaced workers mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis, DOLE and DOE will bring several programs in one venue through the local government units and the next stop will be at the Muntaparlas area where Secretary Angelo Reyes is the CLEEP steward.

During the one day event, there will be:

(1) Diskwento Caravan, a non-government-sponsored flea market where workers and consumers can avail themselves of basic commodities and pharmaceutical products at a very low, discounted price. This is a non-wage benefit package aimed at improving employees’ access to basic and prime commodities through the mobilization of retail outlets selling food and non-food items at low prices. This will be done in coordination with the National Wages and Productivity Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry.

(2) There will be a job fair that will cater to both local and overseas placements. DOLE-NCR invited 50 local employers, while POEA will bring in 20 overseas recruitment agencies. Job seekers can also register at the Phil-jobnet and Employment Kiosk courtesy of the Bureau of Local Employment. Other government agencies such like PhilHealth, SSS, BIR, NBI, NSO and Pag-IBIG Fund will also set up booths for the pre-employment documentation needs of job seekers.

(3) TESDA-NCR will conduct skills training demonstration and distribute PGMA scholarship coupons while Meralco Foundation Inc. (MFI) will conduct business counseling to guide displaced workers on the proper and efficient use of their separation benefits.

(4) Legal assistance and advisory services on labor and employment concerns will also be offered so workers can consult with labor lawyers and labor officers for free; and

(5) Information dissemination on emergency employment and government livelihood programs will also be showcased.

The public is enjoined to come and avail themselves of the various services to be offered that day.