CLEEP bolsters govt's job generation thrust
The Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) administered by the Department of Labor and Employment has benefited several job seekers in the country.
President Arroyo said her administration keeps its focus on jobs creation to address the immediate concerns of workers who lost their jobs or who remain unemployed because of the global economic meltdown.
For Western Visayas, Information and Publication Service of the Department of Labor and Employment disclosed that Some 750 displaced workers, unemployed and out-of-school youth, including their families in Region 6 (Western Visayas) were provided emergency employment through the 18 projects funded under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).
Citing a report from DOLE-Region 6 in Iloilo City, Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the beneficiaries received a total of P3.75 million from the stimulus package of President Arroyo aimed at cushioning the effects of the global economic slowdown.
Roque said the beneficiaries were employed in various community work projects of local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas such as in the construction of covered drainage system, repair of farm-to-market road and barangay health center, and construction of perimeter fence, among others.
He said the CLEEP funds covered projects under the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
The Malacanang press report disclosed that President Arroyo said jobs generation remains a special government focus and even the forthcoming 111th Independence Day celebration will be focused on assisting displaced workers.
The Independence Day rites will be highlighted by the conduct of a three-day job and livelihood fairs that will include the awarding of employment certificates, livelihood assistance packages and training scholarships.
On the Jobs Fair's first day, she said, job seekers may vie for a good number of government unfilled plantilla positions and vacancies for emergency or short term employment under the 1.5% MOOE fund based on E.O. No. 782.
Emergency employment contracts and livelihood checks will also be awarded on June 12 to lucky job seekers. The rest of them may explore both overseas and local job opportunities on the second and third day, the Malacanang press report disclosed. (PIA 6)