NAVAL, Biliran -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) has launched Assistance to Youth and Unemployed for Development and Advancement (AYUDA) Program which intends to deliver local job opportunities especially to those who lost their jobs during these trying times of pandemic, posting the high unemployment rates ever recorded in Philippine history.

“Through this program, we hope to support Filipino families by employing at least one member per household as well as empower the youth by making them productive members of the society,” Secretary Roger Mercado of the Department of Public Works and HIghways said. 

It is inspired from two previous DPWH employment programs: Out-of-School Youth toward Economic Recovery (OYSTER) program and the Kalsada Natin Alagaan Natin (KNAN) program.

One of the objectives of the AYUDA program is to maximize the potential of the youth by engaging them in productive and income-generating activities.

A total of 35 beneficiaries were hired and already started doing their field work. The job description of the beneficiaries of AYUDA program involves working as street sweepers, street signs cleaners, garbage collectors, vegetation control and removal of illegally dumped construction materials, junked items and other obstructions protruding to the carriageway, shoulder and sidewalk.

The goal of the said program is to have at least one family member that can guarantee food on the table and meet their daily needs.

This assistance program also alleviates the living conditions of the Filipinos greatly affected by unemployment.

DPWH Biliran DEO continues to spread good news and blessings through this AYUDA Program even during this pandemic. (DPWH-BDEO)