QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma  recognized the significant contribution of the Workers in the Informal Sector (WIS), and assured them that the government also prioritizes their welfare through provision of appropriate assistance that will help improve their socio-economic conditions.

The Labor Chief made the statement during distribution of DOLE Kabuhayan Packages amounting to 3.12 million pesos worth of grant for the 104 workers in the informal sector at the San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila.

“Hindi po totoo ‘yon [na nasa gilid lang ang informal sector]. Kayo po ay nasa gitna ng pag-alala at pagsisikap ng pangkasalukuyang administrasyon.” [Ang] layunin ng pamahalaan na inclusive growth, reduction of poverty, at decent and quality jobs, kayo po ang tinutumbok ng ganung klaseng programa,” said Laguesma.

He added: “Kung magkakaroon po kayo ng hanapbuhay, ay malaking bagay po iyon nang sa gayon ay kayo po ay maging produktibong miyembro ng ating lipunan.”

The activity is in line with the labor department’s month long commemoration of the Labor Day event with the theme “Inobasyon, Inklusibong Proteksyon at Pantay na Representasyong Panlipunan Tungo sa Matatag na Kabuhayan ng mga Manggagawang Nasa Impormal na Sektor.”

Laguesma thanked all the partner agencies, local government units, and the legislative branch for their continued cooperation in pursuit of contributing to a decent and productive employment for disadvantaged workers.

The WIS beneficiaries received any one of these livelihood projects of their choice: Barbeque Package (1), Car Wash Package (1), Karenderia Package (1), Tailoring Package (13), Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) Package (20), and Rice Retailing Package (68).

Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan also graced the event and urged the beneficiaries to ensure growth and sustainability of the government grant bestowed on them.

“Lahat pong ito [Kabuhayan Packages] ay naglalayong makatulong sa inyong mga pamilya na magkaroon ng isang maayos, regular, at isang matagumpay na negosyo. Kaya sana pagsumikapan niyo na mapalaki, mapalago, at mapaunlad ang anumang pagkakataong maipagkakaloob sa inyo,” sa the local chief executive.

Meanwhile, several learning sessions were also organized for the beneficiaries, including Seminar on Programs and Services on Promoting the Rights and Welfare of WIS by the DOLE Bureau of Workers with Special Concern’s (BWSC); MSME and Social Enterprise Development and Formalization of Informal Enterprises by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Community-based Training Programs for the Poor and Marginalized Sectors, with Emphasis on Enterprise Development by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Pag-IBIG Fund also provided a seminar on their programs and services and setup a One-Stop-Shop to assist participants on related inquiries and concerns.

Other key DOLE officials were also present such as Undersecretaries Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, Atty. Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., and Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III; Assistant Secretaries Atty. Paul Vincent W. Añover, Atty. Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, and Dominique Rubia-Tutay; DOLE BWSC Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba; and DOLE-NCR Assistant Regional Directors Atty. Jude Thomas P. Trayvilla and Atty. Olivia O. Obrero-SAMSON; and Field Office Directors.

Representatives from other national government agencies also extended their support in the event, including NAPC, CDA, DA, DSWD, DHSUD, HDMF, PCCI, ECC, TESDA, and DTI.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1215, Series of 1998, the Labor Day Event for WIS, in coordination with the BWSC, was another activity of the labor department in observance of the “Araw ng Paggawa” which is celebrated every month of May.

It aims to recognize the contribution of the workers in the informal sector to the social and economic development of the Philippines. (dole/pia-ncr)