PAID TO LEARN. The women from Looc Romblon hired by the Department of Labor and Employment to undergo training on basket- and handicrafts-making in this undated photo. The government hopes that the women's new knowledge will lead to the establishment of small handicrafts businesses. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-Romblon)
LOOC, Romblon – Some 40 women from this town are currently engaged in short-term employment contracts that will allow them to pick up new livelihood skills courtesy of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
In an online post on Monday, DOLE-Romblon explained that the Looc women were not assigned the usual tasks given to most TUPAD beneficiaries, which usually consist of janitorial or road maintenance chores.
Instead, they were hired by the government for 10 working days to learn making baskets and handicrafts.
“This training aims to equip women with necessary skills on basket-weaving and basic handicrafts and in the long run, create sustainable livelihoods and jobs,” DOLE-Romblon stated in its post.
The beneficiaries are members of a local women’s cooperative called “Kababaihan: Lamang ang May Alam (KaLMA),” which roughly translates to “knowledge gives advantage.”
TUPAD beneficiaries will earn PHP395 per day, which is the prevailing minimum wage in the Mimaropa Region, or PHP3,950 for 10 days of work rendered on skills training.
After the training, the participants will be provided with additional assistance to be registered as a workers association in order to avail of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and start their livelihood undertakings.
The association will receive livelihood grants such as tools, jigs and equipment necessary for their operations to create diverse products of baskets and handicrafts, according to DOLE-Romblon.
The KaLMA members' 10-day employment cum training contract will end on June 13.
TUPAD provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days. (PNA)
