The informal sector, including those affected by disaster, now has better and easier access to livelihood and emergency employment.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently released the comprehensive and simplified guidelines to access the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) under Department Order No. 137-14.

DILEEP has two components:  Kabuhayan, or livelihood; and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) or emergency employment.

Under the order, Self-employed workers with insufficient income, marginalized and land-less farmers, unpaid family workers, parents of child laborers, low-wage and seasonal workers, and workers displaced  by natural and man-made disasters are given priority and those applicants listed in the National Household Targeting System of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and workers profiled by the DOLE’s Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns.

“The times call for us in the DOLE to ensure that whatever intervention or assistance we provide to informal sector and vulnerable workers is simple, clear, transparent, and easy to access,” Labor and Employment secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said.

Baldoz added that DOLE makes way to enhance accessibility of emergency employment and livelihood which seeks to strengthen social protection for vulnerable workers, a key target outcome of the DOLE.

“Convergence of services, technology-driven, resource-based, and sustainable livelihood, and full decentralization of approving authority are the principles of the order that makes it more facilitative,” Baldoz said.

In Davao region, DOLE has already implemented some P1.19 Million worth of emergency employment in Davao Oriental in convergence with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Another P1.70 million worth of salaries for emergency employment is expected to be rolled out soon benefiting the towns of Monkayo and New Bataan in Compostela Valley Province and the towns of Manay, Caraga, Boston and Cateel in Davao Oriental.

“Through convergence, the DOLE facilitates and provides access to emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to shield vulnerable workers and their families from risks due to natural and man-made disasters and enable them to rebuild their lives with better access to social protection and sustainable income sources,” said regional director Joffrey M. Suyao.

Recently, DOLE Davao, led by Secretary Baldoz, has granted 30 livelihoods amounting to P8.37 million to various LGUs and people’s organization .

“Some 1,900 individuals will benefit from these projects, three of which are under the Dole-Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Convergence, nine under the Dole Integrated Livelihood Projects (DILP), and 18 under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB),” Suyao said.

Sherwin B. Manual/DOLE11