Village-based employment program launched in Ilocos Norte

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has rolled out a community- based livelihood and emergency employment program for daily wage workers who were rendered jobless due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Through the Ilocos Norte’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), a “NariMAT nga Aglawlaw” Cash-for-Work Program was launched with an aim to augment the financial resources of daily earners, employed or self-employed, who are affected by the continuing community quarantine amid COVID-19.

At least 1,332 beneficiaries were hired to work under barangay-based social community projects such as eco-tourism; repair and improvement of common public facilities; debris clearing; declogging of canals; debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling; rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, bridges, post-harvest facilities, and public markets; and tree planting and seedling preparation.

Marjorie Umali, one of the recipients of the program who is a single parent and a fish vendor residing in Barangay Gabu 34-B of Laoag City, expressed her gratitude to the Ilocos Norte government for continuously supporting its constituents amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

“We did not expect that the Provincial Government will open a program intended for us. I am thankful that I am one of the chosen beneficiaries who will clean our barangay,” she said.

“This program is a great support for us since we do not have a stable job. Our income depends on the quantity of what we catch daily. This is why we rely on whatever job is available,” she added.

In return to their service, beneficiaries will receive a salary worth P1,275.00 for five days.