DOLE XI released the total amount of 5,549,588 to 22 informal sector workers organizations with about 1,554 members-beneficiaries during the 1st Informal Sector Workers Day celebration on May 15, 2013 at the Garden Oases, Bo. Obrero, Davao City.

DOLE XI Director Joffrey M. Suyao lauded the contributions of the workers in the informal sector to the development of the country. “The DOLE recognizes the hard work and determination of our informal sector workers to succeed, and we are cognizant of the issues, concerns and challenges they face. As such, the informal sector workers deserve our attention and support,” he said.

To harness the potential of the informal sector workers to contribute to nation building, DOLE XI presented the results and analysis of the recently concluded provincial consultations to the participating home-based workers, fish folks, farmers, small transport drivers, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, women and displaced workers. The provincial consultations were conducted in Davao Oriental (March 20) Compostela Valley Province (April 10), Davao del Sur (April 11), Davao City (April 12), and Davao del Norte  ( April 17).

The series of provincial consultations were conducted in order to properly identify the needs of the beneficiaries and gather the specific concerns that hinder or promote sustainable development of the livelihood programs supported by the department. Specific goals and proposed activities were drawn out from the consolidated output, which shall serve as bases for the evaluation and approval of livelihood proposals, provision of support to enhance projects, implement, and monitor supported projects.

Other government agencies (PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry) and representatives from B-MEG Philippines of San Miguel Corporation Inc. were also invited to showcase their support programs and services that workers may avail of.

During the event, 10 documentation videos were presented, which highlighted the implemented projects under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Through the documentaries, best  practices were given attention for the purpose of inspiring other informal sector organizations to work towards the sustainability of their economic undertakings.
END.[with the report by LG Gallegos-Ugsang]