CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – More than 1,500 workers in Pampanga, Bataan, and Bulacan are set to gain easier access to affordable goods and workplace-based livelihood services as the Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon awarded P3 million in livelihood assistance to three labor organizations.
Through the Workers Organization Development Program Plus, a component of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program, the agency reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the socio-economic welfare of workers by supporting livelihood projects that improve access to basic goods and reduce daily financial burdens of employees.
Union representatives lauded the assistance, emphasizing that the projects will enhance current welfare initiatives and provide members with stable, cost-efficient options for their daily needs.
“This is a very good project kasi nga maraming naitutulong ito sa mga manggagawa lalo na yung mga union members kasi makakadagdag ito sa mga programa namin sa aming union (This is a very good project because it provides significant support to workers, especially to union members, as it will further strengthen and enhance the programs we offer within our union),” Malayang Organisasyon ng mga Kawani at Kaguruan sa Assumption President Jesus Everisto said.
The 250-member organization, composed of teaching and non-teaching personnel of the University of the Assumption in Pampanga, received P1 million to establish a virtual grocery store.
Through the project, personnel may purchase goods up to P5,000 per month via payroll deduction with a minimal service charge.
DOLE also granted P1 million to the FPF Employees Union- Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization in Mariveles, Bataan for a rice retailing initiative that will serve 1,100 workers.
Members may request a 25-kilogram sack of rice worth P1,100 and pay over two to four payroll periods with deductions capped at 20 percent of their net salary to keep repayments manageable.
Another P1 million livelihood aid went to the United Pulp and Paper Company Employees Union in Calumpit, Bulacan, benefiting 206 rank-and-file employees.
The union will operate two general merchandise stores, one inside the workplace and another open to the public, offering groceries, dry goods, hygiene items, school supplies, and other essentials at sustainable yet affordable prices.
All enterprises will implement a profit sharing scheme to distribute their net income to members.
DOLE Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, together with Labor Relations and Labor Standards Division Director Maria Rima Hernandez, awarded the checks to the beneficiaries.
“These projects are not just livelihood initiatives but a symbol of our shared commitment to worker welfare and sustainable development. We will continue to monitor them to ensure that their purpose is fully realized for the benefit of our workers,” Panlilio said.
The initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote inclusive growth by expanding worker access to sustainable, community-based livelihood opportunities. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)